As we get closer to receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine in our county, the Tama County Health Department reminds all residents the initial doses of vaccine will be limited and will be available to populations prioritized according to guidance received from our state and federal partners.

“The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has preemptively suggested the initial doses of vaccine go to health care providers and those in long term care facilities,” said Shannon Zoffka, CEO of Tama County Public Health & Home Care. “As more vaccine becomes available, we will be able to offer the vaccine to more people.”

Tama County has been working with many of the health care providers in our county these last several months so they can offer the vaccine to their patients. Please check our Facebook page and watch for more information in local newspapers as more vaccine becomes available and more people become eligible for vaccination. As we receive more vaccine, it will be made available through healthcare providers, pharmacies and organized vaccination clinics.

Everyone should continue taking protective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay home if you’re sick

• Wash your hands often

• Stay six feet away from others at all times

• Wear a mask when you can’t properly social distance from others

• Recognize that older people and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart issues, and organ transplants have a much higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19

More information is available at our web page at: The IDPH Coronavirus page at https://idph.iowa.gov/emerging-health-issues/novel-coronavirus; and the state COVID-19 dashboard at https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/.