On Jan. 21 Gov. Kim Reynolds announced changes to the priority populations for receiving a Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccination.

These changes included extending the eligibility age to 65 years and older and placed the high risk populations in order of priority. These populations are organized into tiers and those 65 years and older are eligible throughout the entire portion of Phase 1B and going forward.

However, the Iowa Department of Public Health has stated that the supply of vaccine will be very limited.

“While Phase 1B is expected to begin on Monday, Feb. 1, please understand when local public health departments are allocated doses in the hundreds, completing vaccination of everyone in Phase 1A and those included in Phase 1B will take weeks to months,” Grundy County Public Health Program Coordinator Katie Thornton-Lang said.

As of Feb. 1, persons 65 and older can start to receive vaccine from Grundy County Public Health (GCPH) pharmacy partners including Reinbeck Pharmacy, Manly Drugstore/Stefl Drug in Grundy Center and Nucara Pharmacy in Conrad.

Those residents 65 and older, or their loved ones, should not contact Grundy County Memorial Hospital, local clinics, or other health care providers to ask for the vaccine. A high volume of calls makes it more difficult to address patients and others with immediate needs.

At this time, there is no public sign-up for individuals. Persons 65 and older can contact local pharmacies to be placed on their waiting lists.

Upon receiving vaccines from the state of Iowa, the administering pharmacy at which individuals have placed their names on waiting lists will call to schedule appointments. There are no walk-ins available.

Those working in occupations identified in Tier 1 for Phase 1B (PreK-12 staff members, child care workers, firefighters, police officers and child welfare social workers) will be directed to the COVID-19 vaccine provider pharmacies mentioned, or contacted directly to schedule clinics.

GCPH is currently assisting pharmacies and leadership in prioritizing staff at these organizations. If you work in these occupations, closely monitor communication from your employer and GCPH. Those in Tier 1 of Phase 1B should not call pharmacies unless instructed to do so by GCPH or their employer.

GCPH continues to coordinate with local pharmacies and other COVID-19 vaccine provider partners that will be providing vaccine to the priority populations as recommended by the state’s Infectious Disease Advisory Council (IDAC) and by order of the state’s vaccine shortage order.

This process is due to the limited vaccine supply available, the large amount of population that is eligible, and the goal to ensure that doses are utilized for those who are eligible and not wasted. As supply increases, more opportunities for vaccination will occur.

GCPH also issued a set of answers to frequently asked questions that community members may find helpful.

Where and how do I get the vaccine?

You do not have to receive the vaccine in your county of residence, but it is requested you try to do so.

Grundy County’s pharmacies are administering the vaccine; contact whichever is closest to you to have your name placed on a waiting list and they will contact you for a future appointment.

Appointments will be necessary due to how the vaccine is administered.

There is a vaccine shortage, which means that it may be a while before your appoint- ment is made, regardless of where you schedule your vaccine to be administered.

You will need to work with your initial place of administration for a booster dosage within 28 days of receiving the first dosage.

Work to vaccinate everyone that qualifies within the Phase 1B priority list will take time. While you may be eligible to receive the vaccine, please be patient as availability increases over the next weeks and months.

How are the phases and tiers determined?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued COVID-19 vaccine distribution guidance to state and local health departments that outlines a phased approach to vaccine distribution.

IDAC tiered those who are identified in Phase 1B for the state of Iowa, along with adding those 65+ years of age.

Allocations of vaccine dosages are given to county health departments by the Iowa Department of Public Health. County health departments follow the priority list identified for administration.

There is a limited number of available doses to meet the entire population of those identified in Phase 1B, therefore county health departments are working with local partners to ensure those priority groups are vaccinated as dosages become available in the county.

This does not mean that each individual/tier identified will receive a vaccine right away. There will be waiting lists and clinics identified to reach as many people as possible given the limited dosages available.

Does receiving the vaccine mean I no longer have to social distance or wear a mask?

Receiving the vaccine is another tool in our toolbox of trying to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Previously recommended mitigation measures will still be in place regardless of whether you’ve received the vaccine.

Wear a mask/face covering when in public/in groups

Practice social distancing when in public

Clean hands frequently with soap/water

Stay home if you feel sick

Follow isolation/quarantine guidance if you are confirmed positive or exposed to a confirmed positive case of COVID-19

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/. You can also follow the Iowa Department of Public Health (https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus) on Facebook (@IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth) and on Twitter (@IAPublicHealth). Visit Grundy County Public Health on Facebook (@GrundyCoPublicHealth) and on Twitter (@GrundyCountyPH).