Washington County Public Health has seen a marked decrease in demand for COVID-19 vaccination recently, and had difficulty filling its COVID-19 vaccine clinics. As a result of the decrease in demand and increase in vaccine availability at retail pharmacies, Public Health is declining its vaccine allocation for this week, reported Public Heath Administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski. She added that Iowa as a state also has seen a significant decrease in demand.

Moderna boost (second dose) clinics are scheduled throughout May for individuals who previously received their prime doses from WCPH, and those will continue as scheduled.

After April 29, WCPH will no longer offer prime dose COVID-19 vaccine clinics unless demand increases. It will continue to communicate with its vaccine distribution partners to determine if they have needs for vaccine allocation and make decisions each week.

Hy-Vee and Beans pharmacies in Washington, One to One Pharmacy in Kalona and Pharmacy on 8th in Wellman continue to receive vaccine from the federal pharmacy program and offer COVID-19 vaccine at their respective locations.

Currently, the fully vaccinated rate in Washington County is 30.7%. “We need to strive for 70-85%,” said Pettit-Majewski, “to reach herd immunity and prevent additional spread and variants.” She added, “We want to thank those who have allowed us to serve you, and encourage others to get vaccinated, as soon as possible. If you have questions about the vaccine, don’t hesitate to contact our office.”

More information is available at the department’s web page at: www.washph.com, on their Facebook page and our various social media. You can also visit the Iowa Department of Public Health Coronavirus page at idph.iowa.gov/emerging-health-issues/novel-coronavirus; and the state COVID-19 dashboard at coronavirus.iowa.gov/.