(Des Moines, IA) -- The Polk County Health Department will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations to additional healthcare workers (working in Polk County) eligible for vaccination in Phase 1A beginning Monday, January 11, 2021.
The vaccinations will be offered at the Polk County Health Department and select community pharmacies by appointment.
Healthcare workers eligible for vaccination must have direct patient contact and are unable to telework, including those who work in inpatient, outpatient, or community settings, who provide services to patients or patient's family members, or who handle infectious materials
Healthcare workers who now may be vaccinated in Phase 1A include:
Employees of Unaffiliated Medical Practices
Occupational Health staff
Respiratory Therapists
Emergency Medical Services
Pharmacists providing vaccinations
Healthcare Students (in clinical rotations or providing direct patient care)
School Nurses
Dentists and dental professionals
Clinical laboratory Staff
Hospice Staff
Physical Therapists
Rehabilitation staff
Environmental Services staff
Blood Bank Staff
Dialysis Center Staff
Mental Health Professionals providing IN-PERSON services
Chiropractors
Home health Staff
Optometrists
Workers NOT included for vaccination in Phase 1A include:
Mental Health Professionals who provide telehealth services
Funeral home directors and staff
Social Workers
Massage therapists
Aestheticians
Veterinarians
The Iowa Disease Advisory Council is currently discussing who will be included in Phase 1B. Information about Phases 1C, and Phase 2 will be discussed in the near future.