With a shortage of Covid-19 vaccines headlining national news, Greene County public health director Becky Wolf has provided updated information about vaccine distribution in the county.
She first explained the Iowa Department of Public Health and public health agencies in all 99 Iowa counties are committed to following Centers for Disease Control mass vaccination guidance for when vaccine inventory is limited.
Prioritizing population groups allows public health agencies to work their way through the many at-risk groups in an equitable manner, and to keep critical infrastructure open (schools, businesses, the economy).
The biggest revision in Phase 1B priority populations as of Jan. 21 is that all persons age 65 and older are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine during Phase 1B.
Phase 1B has been tiered as follows:
Tier 1
- First responders (firefighters, law enforcement, dependent adult abuse and child welfare social workers)
- PK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers
Tier 2:
- Food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing workers who work in or live in congregate setting that do not allow for social distancing
- Individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff
Tier 3:
- Staff of and individuals living in congregate settings (does not include college dormitories)
- Governmental officials, to ensure continuity of government including staff, engaged in state business at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session
Tier 4:
- Inspectors responsible for hospital, long-term care, child safety
Tier 5:
- Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated
In collaboration with multiple community vaccine providers, doses will be administered at Greene County Family Medicine Clinic, McFarland Clinic, Medicap and Hy-Vee pharmacies, and Greene County Medical Center occupational health.
In addition, mass vaccination clinics at local community locations will be offered by Public Health. Please watch the newspapers, radio, social media outlets, and Iowa Moves Forward with Vaccination Campaign for more information.
Due to the expansion of Phase 1B, including sub-prioritizing groups into five tiers and people 65 and older, Greene County public health will not accept additional waiting list requests, as of Jan. 21 at 1 pm. Requests received prior to that time will be honored, providing vaccine is available, based on the date and time of the request.
“Taking this pause will allow us to revise our mass vaccination campaign to better align with updated guidance,” Wolf said. “In collaboration with our community providers, we anticipate roll-out during February 2021, based on vaccine availability. Please keep in mind for Phase 1B: Greene County has approximately 2000 residents, 65 years and above, not to mention those eligible in the five tiers.
“We ask for your patience and kindness as we move forward in this monumental project.”
Persons who have concerns or want more information can contact Greene County public health at 515-386-0564 or the new dedicated email: covid@gcmchealth.com. In coming weeks, public health will roll out an online vaccine appointment scheduling program as well.
