March 26, 2021
The purpose of this newsbrief is to provide information regarding the current status of COVID-19 vaccine for Black Hawk County.
Hy-Vee and 211 Iowa are partnering to administer 1,170 COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday, April 1 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Waterloo Center for the Arts (225 Commercial Street, Waterloo, Iowa). Individuals who have barriers to scheduling a vaccine and do not have internet access, who are 65 and older, or 64 and younger with underlying health conditions as outlined by the CDC, can call 211 where a vaccine navigator can assist them in scheduling a vaccination appointment at the April 1 clinic. (Please note 211 vaccine navigators can assist in multiple languages.) Those who receive first doses on April 1 should return on April 22 at their same appointment time to receive the second dose.
Vaccine in Black Hawk County
Black Hawk County Health Department (BHCHD) received its baseline allocation of 200 prime doses of Moderna and 2,340 prime Pfizer doses. Based on national and state projections, we anticipate an increase in supply during April but no specific information is available at this time. Iowa is still on target for opening vaccines to all Iowans as the expected doses are still anticipated.
Doses were allocated to MercyOne, Peoples Community Health Clinic and UnityPoint Health to vaccinate persons aged 65 and older, persons 16-64 with eligible medical conditions along with a focus on the homebound and remaining eligible tier 2 individuals. Individuals with disabilities that are homebound and unable to leave to obtain a vaccine may call the Black Hawk County Health Department at 319-292-2360.
As designated by the State of Iowa, the majority of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is currently targeted to employers to vaccinate employees in the food, agriculture, manufacturing and distribution sectors with an intent to expand beyond congregate settings. If you work in one of these sectors, please pay attention to communication from your employer about vaccination opportunities.
Vaccines are also increasing through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership! Please visit Vaccinate Iowa or contact your local pharmacy for updated information.
Take a Shot – Share the Facts
When it’s your turn, get vaccinated with the vaccine that’s available to you. Even if you aren’t worried about your own health, your vaccination will help stop the spread of COVID-19 in your community. Each additional vaccination assists in stopping the spread of the virus and helps us get back to normal life. Even if you are not personally worried about COVID-19, you can be part of the solution to protect your family, your community and your country!