County VNA begins phase 1B vaccinations
The Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) announced on Jan. 26 that it had received 200 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for phase 1B, targeting those who qualify based on age. Individuals aged 65 or older are eligible for the vaccine at any time during phase 1B. "Please remember that vaccine allocations are limited. The Clayton County VNA will work directly with IDPH and our local healthcare providers to distribute the vaccine as quickly as possible," said a spokesperson.
Those who qualify based on these age guidelines may call the following locations for appointment information and scheduling:
•Guttenberg Hospital and Clinics: Individuals may call (563) 252-5571 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Friday. Outside of the hours listed, individuals may leave a message with their name and number for a staff member to return a call.
•Medical Associates Elkader: Individuals may call (563) 245-1717 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
As additional vaccine allocations become available through the state, Clayton County will continue vaccinating those 65 or older, adding a third vaccine administration site through MercyOne Elkader Medical Center, and begin moving through the eligible individuals in the tiered groups within phase 1B, which includes the following:
•Tier 1: First Responders (firefighters, police officers, and child welfare/social workers); PreK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers
•Tier 2: Food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing workers who work in or live in congregate settings that do not allow for social distancing and individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff
•Tier 3: Staff of and individuals living in congregate settings (excludes college dorms) and government officials engaged in state business at the Iowa Capitol during legislative session
•Tier 4: Inspectors responsible for hospital, long-term care, and child safety
•Tier 5: Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated
The Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association has been preparing for the next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations in partnership with area health care providers and pharmacies. "As we move through the tiers, public health will be working with businesses and entities who qualify. If you are a business/entity outlined in Tier 1 through 5, please contact the Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association at (563) 245-1145 for further information regarding next steps," said a spokesperson.
"Again, we ask for all eligible individuals in phase 1B to have patience as we move through the vaccine process. We anticipate increased vaccine doses in the coming weeks and will work with our local partners to make them available as quickly as possible," said the spokesperson.
Vaccinations for the general public are not expected to be available until spring 2021. "We ask for the public’s understanding as we move through priority groups as identified by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Information on vaccine availability for the general public will be shared as it becomes available," concluded the spokesperson.
For additional information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
