(Des Moines) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says many Iowans want to be vaccinated and want to know when it will be their turn. The Governor addressed the issue during Thursday’s press conference.
Governor Reynolds says in Iowa, they’re doing a lot with little or no vaccine. Reynolds says Iowa ranks 46th nationally in the number of doses allocated to the state. She says the state is receiving only 19,500 doses each week. However, when it comes to delivering those doses, Iowa is near the top of the list, ranking 15th in the country.
Reynolds says as of January 20, 82-percent of the first doses allocated by the Federal Government have been used to protect those who have been providing care to Iowans since the beginning of the pandemic. Another shipment arrived in the state on Wednesday and administered on Thursday.
The Governor says with the Phase 1A vaccination program underway; it’s time to move to Phase 1B and make it more available to Iowans.
The Governor says allocation is determined and distributed at the federal level, and the state relies on the numbers they provide to plan their approach. However, the Governor anticipates Iowa’s weekly allocation could increase the week of February 1 and each week after that. Reynolds says they are working with the Biden administration to see how this will play out, so they can plan accordingly.
In early February, Tier 1 vaccinations will begin for Law Enforcement, 1st responders, pre-K12 teachers and staff, early childhood educators, and childcare workers. This tier of individuals accounts for approximately 130,000 Iowans. Additionally, beginning February 1, Iowans 65-years of age and older will be eligible for vaccination. This accounts for more than 500,000 Iowans.
Tier II includes front line essential workers, and individuals with disabilities living in a home setting. This totals approximately 600,000 individuals. Tier III includes staff in congregate settings and government officials and staff at the State Capitol. This group consists of approximately 13,000 individuals. Tier IV includes 1,500 inspectors responsible for health, life, and safety. Tier V includes approximately 13,000 staff and incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities.
The Governor points out that the vaccine’s demand will exceed the supply.
