Gov. Kim Reynolds says the state is on track to meet the April 5 target date to open COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all Iowans. According to Reynolds, more than 1.3 million vaccine doses have been administered to date.
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Reynolds also clarified the cause of a discrepancy in the state’s vaccine reporting compared to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An error was discovered in a worksheet used by state staff resulting in an overestimation of Iowans 65 and older who have been vaccinated. The identified issue has been corrected. However, Iowa still ranks in the top 10 in the nation for individuals in this age category. She says projected vaccine allocations for the state are expected to keep increasing, but eligible recipients should expect to wait awhile for their turn as demand is forecasted to outpace supply for the next several months. However, Reynolds expects it will become easier and easier to schedule appointments if White House projections are met.
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Iowa’s allocation is expected to increase by 25,000 doses the week of March 29 to 128,000, including 18,000 Johnson and Johnson single-dose shots. As more and more Iowans line up to be vaccinated, Reynolds says there is a notable gap in distribution in Iowa’s minority communities.
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Gov. Reynolds invited Broadlawns Medical Center Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Yogesh Shah, and Rev. Jonathon Whitfield of Corinthian Baptist Church to speak on the partnerships they have formed to aid these underserved populations. The state is partnering with community leaders, the United Way and over 30 other organizations to overcome technology, language, and trust barriers to improve vaccine access for these groups. Rev. Whitfield says their efforts are bearing fruit.
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For more information on COVID-19 activity in Iowa or to find vaccine providers near you, use the contact points included below.
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