(Feb. 12, 2021) - Read the full advisory
CDC guidance now states that fully vaccinated persons with an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:
Persons who do not meet all 3 of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings should continue to quarantine following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. This exception is due to the unknown vaccine effectiveness in this population, the higher risk of severe disease and death, and challenges with social distancing in healthcare settings.
Although not preferred, healthcare facilities could consider waiving quarantine for vaccinated inpatients and residents as a strategy to mitigate critical issues (e.g., lack of space, staff, or PPE to safely care for exposed patients or residents) when other options are unsuccessful or unavailable.
(Jan 21, 2021) - Read the full order
On January 21, 2020, the Iowa Department of Public Health expanded phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan to include individuals aged 65 and up. All other guidelines have remained the same.
(Jan. 11, 2021) - Read the full recommendation
The Iowa Infectious Disease Advisory Council (IDAC) has reviewed the priority population recommendations of Phase 1b identified in the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidance issued December 20, 2020. IDAC offers the modifications and recommendations outlined below to assist vaccine providers in prioritizing Phase 1b populations. Upon activation of Phase 1b IDAC supports the continuation of vaccination efforts for individuals included in Phase 1A. IDAC will continue to discuss Phase 1C recommendations and expects to have an update this week.
In addition, IDAC strongly supports that no individual shall be restricted from obtaining vaccine based on residency or citizenship.
The following factors shall be considered when sub-prioritizing Phase 1b populations recommended by IDAC (noted below), while a vaccine shortage exists:
Due to the current and short-term projections for vaccine allocation for Iowa, IDAC recommends the following, more narrowly defined, eligible populations for Phase 1b:
Persons aged > 75years, OR the following populations vulnerable to high risk of exposure or severity of illness:
Vaccine allocation strategy for Phase 1b, while a vaccine shortage exists:
Allocation of vaccine shall be based on available US Census population data, proportionate to the county. Exceptions and allocation adjustments will be made for priority groups IF the distribution of specific populations are inconsistent with US Census data. In addition, modifications in allocations may be taken to adjust for disproportionate workforce in less populated counties.
January 8, 2021
Iowa Department of Public Health: Vaccine for Business, Agriculture & Industry
Webinar Slides
(Jan. 4, 2021)
While other states have started vaccinating members of the general public, Iowa has not. We anticipate that the general public will have access to the vaccine in early spring but that will depend on vaccine allocations the state receives. We also anticipate that vulnerable populations, including elderly persons and people with significant underlying medical conditions, will receive priority. We are awaiting additional guidance from the federal and state government.
The public will be able to receive vaccine from Story County Public Health, pharmacies and their primary care physicians. Mary Greeley Medical Center will not administer vaccine for the general public. Currently, Story County Public Health is not taking appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations from the public, nor are we compiling names for a waiting list.
This is a complex, sometimes frustrating, process and we appreciate everyone’s patience. In the meantime, it is still essential for everyone to continue to wear a mask, practice physical distancing and wash hands regularly.
In Iowa, the COVID-19 vaccination process is currently focused on frontline healthcare workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, and first responders that provide medical care. Story County Public Health is implementing CDC and IDPH guidance to provide vaccines to this group. This step in the vaccination process is not complete because Story County has not been allocated enough vaccine to take care of everyone in this group who wants to receive a vaccination. (Some counties have been able to complete this group because they are smaller and may not have substantial numbers of people in the targeted groups, such as frontline healthcare workers.)
The next phase in the vaccination process will focus on essential workers that support critical services in our communities, such as non-medical first responders, school employees, and public works employees. Story County Public Health is developing plans to vaccinate this group. Once again, a lot depends on when we receive vaccine and how much.
For information about the vaccine, including its effectiveness and safety, please refer to:
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