(Polk County, IA) -- Polk County Health will soon start giving COVID-19 vaccines to more residents. The county says that will happen Monday, March 15th. Those eligible include those 64 and under, with underlying health conditions. Vaccines will be available at the health department, at Polk County hospitals and clinics, and select Medicap pharmacies- pending vaccine allocations.
Polk County Health says they've had an increase in Pfizer doses, so they're able to expand to the next group of eligible Iowans.
Vaccinations for the previous eligible group continues.
Statement from Polk County Health:
On Monday, March 22, 2021, we will begin to vaccinate Phase 1B, Tier 2:
1- Farm Workers (year round, seasonal and migrant) whose work environment (including employer provided housing, break rooms, and transportation)or shared short-term housing (with co-workers) does not allow for adequate social distancing.
2- Frontline workers (not clerks, cashiers, office staff or managers) employed in the manufacturing and distribution (not retail, not hospitality) of critical goods necessary for survival (Food, Air, Water, Medical, Safety) whose work environment won’t allow for social distancing at all (not that some of the time they must work in close quarters).
3-Individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff
- Disabilities as defined by the ADA: a major physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activity. Individuals may live at home or in a group home setting. Example includes locations such as Orchard Place.
- Home bound individuals, under age 65, who rely on care or services from others
- Medicare considers you homebound if: Youneed the help of another person or medical equipment such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to leave your home,oryour doctor believes that your health or illness could get worse if you leave your home;And, it is difficult for you to leave your home and you typically cannot do so
- Direct care staff are those individuals, paid or unpaid, who provide direct care to person(s) with a disability on an ongoing basis. This could include direct family members caring for the disabled person.
“At Polk County Health Department, we would never turn away community members who are in great need of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Polk County Health Director Helen Eddy. “However, we want the community to make smart and honest decisions and not take away COVID-19 vaccines from those with underlying health conditions.”
Seniors and individuals 64 years and younger with underlying health conditions who DO NOT have computer or internet access should call (515) 323-5221. Individuals in Phase 1B, Tier 1 and those with internet and computer access should continue to monitor vaccine availability atwww.vaccinate.iowa.gov.
(Photo: File photo from University of Iowa)