JCPH explains rollout of vaccines for Phase 1B

     Following news released from Jones County Public Health regarding the next phase of COVID-19 vaccination clinics, it was announced that those clinics would be organization by JCPH and their partners, to take place on Saturdays only in both Monticello and Anamosa.

     JCPH Preparedness Specialist Kaci Ginn explained that if a clinic took place in Monticello on one Saturday, there would not be a clinic in Anamosa until the following Saturday.

     While Phase 1B can start receiving the vaccine in Iowa this week, as of Feb. 1, Jones County does not anticipate starting vaccines until Feb. 13.

     “When dates are confirmed, eligible folks who have completed the interest survey will be contacted,” Ginn said.

     Those who qualify for the vaccine must make an appointment.

     Phase 1B includes:

     • Those 65 and older

     • Law enforcement and first responders

     • PreK-12 school staff

     • Childcare workers

     • Staff and clients in congregate settings

     • Individuals with disabilities and care staff

     • Corrections staff and incarcerated individuals

     Just because you are eligible to receive the vaccine as part of Phase 1B does not guarantee the immediate availability of the vaccine.

     “Vaccine is still in short supply,” noted JCPH. “We will get to everyone who wishes to be vaccinated, but it will take time. Frequency of clinics will depend on the frequency and volume allocated to Jones County by the IDPH.”

     Those interested in receiving the vaccine must fill out the interest form found at jonescountyiowa.gov/public_health. JCPH will contact you with further instructions regarding booking an appointment.

     Jenna Lovaas, JCPH coordinator, said they will not be releasing the number of doses of the vaccine Jones County receives for privacy purposes. However, JCPH only finds out that information less than a week before it arrives.

     “I’m hoping it increases and stabilizes a bit after this week since the state will be done with their obligation to the federal long-term care/Pharmacy Partnership Program,” commented Lovaas.

     From those county individuals who have filled out the interest form, as of Jan. 27, JCPH has 1,775 who are 65-plus on the list to receive the vaccine. Other numbers include: 507 for childcare and PreK-12 staff, 60 under law enforcement/firefighters/corrections, 45 for those with disabilities and caretakers, and 20 for congregate living situations.

     “The numbers grow every day,” shared Lovaas. “We also still have people who would be classified as (Phase) 1A filling out the form, so they would be a priority as well.”

     The Express was contacted by a concerned resident regarding the growing population of those who need to be vaccinated compared to the frequency of clinics. Ginn explained that the supply coming into Iowa and Jones County is much slower than the demand for the vaccine.

     “Having so many people want to be vaccinated is wonderful, but we need people to be patient. Just because people are eligible does not mean we have doses on hand to administer. This vaccine effort is a marathon, not a sprint. In the event the volume of vaccine allocated to Jones County were to surpass the capacity of the routine mass community clinics, we will explore other options to get people vaccinated as fast as we get the vaccine.”

     While the county’s positivity rate went below 10 percent last week, it has started to creep up again.

     “The state mentioned testing is down, so that would also affect percent positivity,” said Lovaas. “Not as many people are getting tested, so a greater percentage of those that get tested are coming back positive since the pool isn’t as large right now.”