Health Department and Partners Expand COVID-19 Vaccination to Additional Healthcare Workers in Phase 1A
January 11, 2021
(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 only. Please note appointment availability is based on the supply of vaccine for the week.
Healthcare workers eligible for vaccination must meet the following criteria:
- Healthcare personnel (HCP) with direct patient contact and thus who 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
- Health care personnel are defined as paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or 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 |
Funeral home directors and staff |
Workers NOT included for vaccination in Phase 1A include:
- Mental Health Professionals who provide telehealth services
- 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.
Please visit https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-appointment-registration-information-for-all-medical-staff/ to schedule an appointment.
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