Beginning today, February 1, many more Iowans are now qualified to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Des Moines Register reports roughly 20% of Iowa's population (about 660,000 residents) are now able to get the vaccine under the states guidelines. This is known as Phase 1B. But before you get too excited, there's a problem...

Iowa is set to only receive 46,300 doses per week. That is not likely to increase in the near future. Many of those vaccine doses are currently set to go to nursing home residents and staff. That said, that does not mean in Black Hawk, Bremer, Fayette Buchanan or other NE Iowa counties, you wont' be able to get vaccinated sooner if you're part of Phase 1B. For starters, here's who's included in the new phase:

  • Iowans aged 65 or older
  • Law enforcement, firefighters, child welfare workers and other emergency responders
  • Educators up to the high school level and other childcare workers
  • Inspectors responsible for health, life and safety
  • Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated

Vaccination availability will very by county. For more information on a specific counties rollout guidelines, please see the links below - and please note many healthcare providers has set-up special websites/phone numbers you can call for info on the vaccine.

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