The purpose of this newsbrief is to provide updated information regarding the current status of COVID-19 vaccine available in Black Hawk County.
Black Hawk County Public Health received an allocation of 1950 COVID-19 vaccine doses on January 29 , 2021 that was primarily allocated to vaccinate the 65+ population. We received the same amount on February 5; vaccine from this allocation will be directed to MercyOne, Peoples Community Health Clinic, and UnityPoint Health primarily for the 65+ population. These providers are contacting patients to set appointments as vaccine becomes available. Appointments are not available through individual offices or on a walk in basis. If you are 65+ and have no affiliation with a health care provider, please call the Black Hawk County Health Department 319-292-2360 for more information.
We have been informed by the Iowa Department of Public Health that our vaccine allocations for the rest of February will remain steady and we will continue to prioritize the vaccine for the 65+ population plus essential workers. A limited number of vaccines were allocated earlier this week to select Walgreens and CVS pharmacies
including Black Hawk County. This was a one-time federal allocation. The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccines will also bring vaccine into Iowa. Starting on February 11, 2021 select Hy-Vee pharmacies, along with Greenwood and Evans Crossing pharmacies in Black Hawk County, are expected to have limited vaccine from this program, and more information about this program will be available next week. Contact information for these providers is available at:
https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/pages/vaccineinformation#VaccineProviders
While scheduling appointments, please be aware of potential scammers trying to obtain personal information. As a general reminder, be cautious when clicking links you receive in text messages or email messages. Do not open an email attachment if you are not sure what it is. On the phone, if you are suspicious someone is facilitating a scam, hang up the phone. The health care systems will not ask you for your credit card number.
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be in short supply across the nation and in Black Hawk County. As we work to distribute vaccine to the community we continue to ask for your continued patience, and help in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to practice the 3Ws by washing your hands, wearing a face covering, and watching your distance by staying 6ft apart from those not in your household.
The Black Hawk County Health Department will continue to share updates through our Facebook page, www.blackhawkcovid19.com, local media and this newsbrief.