Health

Polk County Medical Coordination Center Media Release: COVID-19 Vaccine Update from Polk County Healthcare Partners

On behalf of the Polk County hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, we want to thank our community for their patience and understanding as we continue vaccinating individuals eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as efficiently as possible. Collectively, we are committed to keeping everyone safe and healthy.

We are asking the public to please be patient.  We are grateful that our community is eager to receive vaccines, and we are excited to administer the vaccinations as we receive them. However, at this time, demand for the COVID-19 vaccine far exceeds supply.  Each week, our hospitals, clinics and pharmacies receive different allocation amounts. There is not a clear rhythm to when and how much vaccine we will get for the following week.

Vaccine appointments are based upon available vaccine supply.  Our partners in our health care systems, clinics and pharmacies also all have different approaches to scheduling their vaccine appointments. Some of our partners wait until they have their supplies of vaccine and do a quick turnaround to schedule appointments. While others schedule appointments out for patients hoping the vaccine will come in and then reschedule if they don’t get all the doses needed to meet those appointments. The vaccination process will take some time, but we want to assure you that everyone who wishes to be vaccinated will have the opportunity to get a vaccine.

As vaccine supply increases, we will continue to increase the number of clinics and pharmacies providing vaccinations. The Polk County Health Department and our partners are prepared and ready to provide expanded COVID-19 vaccinations through your primary care physicians and additional pharmacies as vaccine supply improves.

Healthcare clinics are vaccinating patients based on state and local public health guidelines. Each healthcare system has established a process for scheduling their patients, and we encourage you to visit the respective websites for your healthcare provider to determine if you are eligible for the vaccine and how your healthcare provider is scheduling appointments.

While vaccinations are underway, it is imperative that we continue the prevention practices we have used throughout the pandemic.  These COVID-19 prevention practices keep our community safe until enough people are vaccinated.

  • Polk County residents should wear a mask at all times, in all public places and stay at least 6 feet apart. 
  • Wearing a mask and keeping your distance protects you and others.
  • Wash your hands frequently and stay home when you are sick.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work together to vaccinate our community!