POLK COUNTY VACCINE CLINIC TO FOCUS ON EDUCATORS NEXT WEEK

February 4, 2021

The state of Iowa has announced the availability of additional COVID-19 vaccine for 14,000 seniors age 65+ in Polk County. The additional vaccine is a result of unused vaccines originally allocated to long-term care facilities. Those in the 65+ age group are eligible to schedule an appointment at their local Walgreens and CVS pharmacies. For this age group, registration information at Walgreens is available HERE. CVS pharmacies will open their registration on Thursday, February 4th at 8AM. Additional information and registration for CVS is available HERE.

Seniors will continue to be prioritized with the additional allocations to CVS and Walgreens and healthcare providers will continue to reach out to their 65+ patients to schedule vaccination appointments. This influx of vaccine for older adults will allow the Polk County Health Department to shift next week’s allotment to Polk County educators in an effort to safely re-open schools this month. Next week’s appointments at the health department drive thru clinic will be available for Polk County educators during expanded hours on Mon, Wed, and Fri 9:00-6:00 and Saturday from 9:00-3:00. Polk County expects an estimated 1,100 vaccines to be available for educators at the health department. Tuesdays and Thursdays will continue to be reserved for second dose appointments. There will be NO appointments available to the community at noon on Friday, February 5, 2021. The open appointments to the public will resume Friday, February 12, 2021 at noon.

Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Connolly says, “The availability of additional vaccine is extremely welcome news that will allow us to focus both on seniors and educators next week. We are all anxious and frustrated about the limited supply of vaccines and our staff is working around the clock to make adjustments as our guidance and vaccine continues to evolve. We will not stop until everyone who wants a vaccination gets one but it will take time.”

Polk County is working with district school Superintendents to ensure distribution of the vaccine goes to qualified educators. Superintendents will receive a link for a clinic where educators can schedule an appointment at the Polk County Health Department drive-thru clinic next week. Educators will be required to provide proof of identity and employment upon receiving the vaccine. Appointments will be booked on a first come, first serve basis. Please note, access to a clinic link does not guarantee enough vaccines for each entire school, as supply remains extremely limited. Educators and seniors can also continue to access vaccines through HyVee and Medicap pharmacies, visit www.immunizepolk.org to access online scheduling for all vaccine distribution sites.

Seniors age 65+ who do not have computer access or need assistance scheduling an appointment can call our help line at (515)323-5221 for assistance. Nursing staff will return your call as soon as possible.

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