Shelby County Provides COVID-19 Vaccine Update on Phase 1B

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2021

Shelby County Provides COVID-19 Vaccine Update on Phase 1B

On January 12th, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) released guidelines for COVID-19 vaccine priority populations for Phase 1B. These guidelines are based on recommendations from the Iowa Disease Advisory Council (IDAC) and accepted by Kelly Garcia, IDPH Interim Director.

As a point of clarification, the Phase 1A priority population group included healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff. To date, Shelby County has been allocated 500 COVID-19 vaccine doses and all have been given to healthcare workers. Long Term Care facilities, locally and throughout Iowa, have been receiving vaccine through the Long Term Care National Pharmacy Partnership Agreement.

Iowa’s Infectious Disease Advisory Council (IDAC) has reviewed data and priority group recommendations issued by the CDC’s advisory group, the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP), to develop guidance that addresses both risk for severe illness and those who work in positions essential for societal functioning. Those listed below meet the criteria for the next phase of immunization administration, Phase 1B:

• People age 75 and older
• Individuals with disabilities living in home settings whom are dependent on attendant care staff and their attendant care staff.
• Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated, including state, city or county operated facilities.
• Staff of and individuals living in congregate settings including shelters, sober living homes, behavioral health treatment centers, and detention centers. College dormitories are not included in Phase 1B.
• Where public health data indicates outbreaks or clusters of diseases among food, agriculture, distribution, and manufacturing workers whom work or live in congregate settings that do not allow for social distancing.
• PK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers. Sub-prioritization should consider persons who work with younger and at-risk children in care, to better ensure child well-being and mitigate impact to parent workforce.
• First responders including firefighters, police officers, and dependent adult abuse and child welfare social workers.
• Inspectors responsible for health, life, and safety, including those in hospital and long-term care settings, child, and food production safety.
• Government officials, including staff, engaged in state business at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative process.

Additionally, IDPH directs that 50% of vaccine allocated to the counties will be given to the 75 and older population and 50% will be dedicated to remaining Phase 1B priority populations. Allocations from IDPH shall be based on available US Census population data proportionate to the county.

Community members that meet Phase 1B criteria can call Public Health at the following phone numbers to reserve your spot:

• 712-755-4406 (main)
• 712-755-4596 (alternative)
• 712-755-4350 (alternative)

These phone lines will be covered from January 14 through January 22nd from 8 am to 4 pm. We anticipate receiving a large number of requests during this time. Once we have vaccinated those that sign up during this initial reservation timeframe, we will open reservations back up again.

Even though you may reserve your spot, vaccination will not be scheduled until vaccine supply is received. All calls will be taken by Myrtue’s Public Health Department and vaccine administration scheduled on a first come, first-served basis.

Another option to reserve your vaccine is to email Public Health at vaccine@myrtuemedical.org. This will help alleviate the need to call in and will help keep phone lines open to those who do not have access to email. Frontline essential workers are highly encouraged to use the email option to reserve their COVID-19 vaccine. Please include your name, date of birth, address, phone number and essential worker designation in the email.

Vaccine supply is currently limited. The goal is for everyone in Shelby County to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available. It is anticipated that Phase 1B will begin on or about February 1, 2021, when Phase IA is nearing completion and vaccine allocations can be used for the Phase IB priority groups as directed by IDPH.

“Phase 1B expands to a large portion of our population and will take weeks to fully vaccinate. We will continue to add more sites for vaccination such as Myrtue Medical Center’s clinic and local pharmacy partners” said Lori Hoch, Myrtue Medical Center’s Public Health Director. “Until we get larger distribution of the vaccine from Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), we will solely vaccinate at Myrtue’s Public Health Department. We are asking the public for patience. We want all community members to get the vaccine to protect our families and community, however, it will take time,” stated Hoch.

The Public Health Department will communicate updates through Myrtue Medical Center’s COVID-19/Vaccination web page and through additional media releases and communications to the community. Please do not go to the vaccination site if you do not have an appointment. This is a fluid situation and the distributions may vary. Continue to like and follow Myrtue Medical Center’s Facebook page for updates.

Myrtue Medical Center’s Public Health will continue to provide updates for other priority populations as it receives additional information from IDPH and allocations of vaccine. “We will continue to follow priority group guidance for allocation of vaccine. It is anticipated that by mid-2021, there should be enough vaccine for anyone who wants to receive it,” said Hoch.

Until vaccine is widely available, it is critical that Iowans continue to practice the mitigation measures that can slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

• Wearing a mask or face covering
• Practice social distancing with those outside your household
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water
• Stay home if you feel sick