The Polk County Health Department said it will delay providing COVID-19 vaccines to newly qualified individuals until more individuals in the previous tier are vaccinated.On Thursday, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced that starting March 8, providers can administer vaccines to those 64 years old and younger who have medical conditions that put them at risk. The Polk County Health Department said it will not expand vaccine availability until at least 70% of the current tier are vaccinated, which includes individuals 65 years and older, first responders, school staff, early childhood education workers, child care workers and health care workers and individuals working and living at long-term care facilities.According to a news release from the department, Polk County vaccine allocation from the state is limited.“Our primary goal is to get as many people vaccinated in our community as possible, but we also recognize the stress and frustration that people experience when the competition is high for a limited supply,” said Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Connolly in an emailed statement. “The last thing that we want to do is make it even more difficult for the current tier to access the vaccine.”The Polk County Health Department said COVID-19 vaccine demand continues to exceed supply in the county, but the ability to provide vaccines to a wider group of residents could change in the state increases the county’s allocation.A Hy-Vee spokesperson confirmed to KCCI Friday that Polk County residents 64 and under with pre-existing conditions will be able to receive vaccines at Polk County stores despite the Polk County Health Department’s decision.According to the spokesperson, some Polk County residents had been told they would not be able to get the vaccine at Hy-Vee starting Monday.Hy-Vee said anyone who made vaccine appointments at Polk County stores but had the appointment canceled can reschedule.Additional vaccine information can be found here.
POLK COUNTY, Iowa —
The Polk County Health Department said it will delay providing COVID-19 vaccines to newly qualified individuals until more individuals in the previous tier are vaccinated.
On Thursday, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced that starting March 8, providers can administer vaccines to those 64 years old and younger who have medical conditions that put them at risk.
The Polk County Health Department said it will not expand vaccine availability until at least 70% of the current tier are vaccinated, which includes individuals 65 years and older, first responders, school staff, early childhood education workers, child care workers and health care workers and individuals working and living at long-term care facilities.
According to a news release from the department, Polk County vaccine allocation from the state is limited.
“Our primary goal is to get as many people vaccinated in our community as possible, but we also recognize the stress and frustration that people experience when the competition is high for a limited supply,” said Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Connolly in an emailed statement. “The last thing that we want to do is make it even more difficult for the current tier to access the vaccine.”
The Polk County Health Department said COVID-19 vaccine demand continues to exceed supply in the county, but the ability to provide vaccines to a wider group of residents could change in the state increases the county’s allocation.
A Hy-Vee spokesperson confirmed to KCCI Friday that Polk County residents 64 and under with pre-existing conditions will be able to receive vaccines at Polk County stores despite the Polk County Health Department’s decision.
According to the spokesperson, some Polk County residents had been told they would not be able to get the vaccine at Hy-Vee starting Monday.
Hy-Vee said anyone who made vaccine appointments at Polk County stores but had the appointment canceled can reschedule.
Additional vaccine information can be found here.