COVID-19 vaccinations begin in Hancock County

The first vaccinations against the COVID-19 virus in Hancock County occurred last week. Hancock County received a shipment of Moderna vaccine.

The Moderna vaccine was chosen because of temperature requirements and the size of allocation, according to Chelcee Schleuger, director of HCHS Community Health. The vaccine developed by Pfizer is allocated in sets of 1,000 while Moderna is in sets of 100.

“This was most appropriate for the size of our county,” Schleuger said.

 “Like all Iowa health systems, we are working closely with the CDC and state health departments charged with vaccine distribution in our state,” she said. “The vaccine allotted to each county must be distributed to the community in phases outlined by the CDC.”

The first phase, phase 1-A, includes health care workers and patients and staff of long term care facilities. Hancock County Community Health will be notified by the Iowa Department of Public Health when vaccinations can progress to the next phasing level.

“We anticipate COVID-19 vaccines may be more widely available by spring or summer 2021,” Schleuger said.

The public is urged to continue following current safety measures.

“It is crucial we all remain vigilant with avoiding crowds, practicing physical distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene,” she continued. “We must continue upholding our personal safe living and decision-making responsibilities until the vaccine is more broadly available. People who are vaccinated must also stay committed to CDC safety guidelines until there is widespread vaccination.

HCHS will update on its website as COVID-19 information and phasing progression is made available.

Other reliable sources about COVID-19 vaccination information are found on the Centers for Disease Control website:www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.