Floyd Valley Healthcare Medical Director, Dr. Donald Odens receives the first COVID-19 vaccination from Plymouth County Community Health Director Tara Geddes. (photo contributed.)
(Le Mars) — Floyd Valley Healthcare expects to receive the planned allotment on Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. As directed by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), we anticipate moving from Tier 1A Frontline Healthcare workers caring for COVID patients to Tier 1A Frontline Workers in Other Healthcare Settings in early January. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 712.546.3646 after December 27th. Phones will answered Monday – Fridays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Identification from an employer, such as a name badge or letter from the employer, will be required to assure those seeking a vaccination are in the current priority group.
As set forth by IDPH, Tier 1A Frontline Workers in Other Healthcare Settings:
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- Healthcare providers (HCP) with direct patient contact and thus who are unable to telework, including those who work in inpatient, outpatient, or community settings, who provide services to patients or patient’s family members, or who handle infectious materials including: CNAs/LPNs/RNs, Chiropractors, Dental Workers, Dieticians, EMS, Massage Therapists, Mental Health Counselors, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Physicians, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Radiological Techs, Respiratory Care Practitioners and Social Workers
- HCP working in residential care or long‐term care facilities
- Skilled nursing facility residents
1A Community Group clinic dates are:
· January 6th from 3 – 7 p.m.
· January 7th from 3 – 7 p.m.
· January 8th from 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Those vaccinated will be required to remain for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine for an observation period, with 30 minutes of observation being recommended for patients who have experienced a severe allergic reaction in the past, such as to oral medications, foods, bees, etc. Due to social distancing concerns and potential adverse reactions with this new vaccine, we are discouraging all staff from one location to receive the vaccine at once, but spreading vaccinations for your staff through the various clinic times.
While we try to provide some flexibility with our communities, we will not be able to offer that with this vaccination. Due to storage and handling of this sensitive vaccine, there will be no off-site clinics or drop-ins to planned clinics allowed. While we understand the desire for many to receive this vaccine, we ask that you are patient as we work through this process.
As we receive the priority group guidelines from IDPH, we will keep the community informed of the ever evolving plan. We anticipate that the next priority group will be announced in late January with clinics held after that update. Due to the volume of people to be vaccinated and stringent guidelines, Floyd Valley Healthcare will not be vaccinating any group early nor keeping a waiting list for those wishing to be vaccinated. All vaccinations will be given in a vaccination clinic setting and not on an individual basis. Please continue to monitor media sources for future updates.
More Vaccination Recommendations
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices released more recommendations December 12, recommending two doses of the vaccine 28 days apart (+/- 2 days) for most individuals, including several specific populations:
· Pregnant and breastfeeding women after having informed discussion with patient as risk of COVID infection is higher than risk to fetus/infant.
· Immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant and cancer patients. May be less effective but still recommended.
· Individuals with underlying health issues, such as COPD, asthma, diabetes, etc.
· Individuals over 65.
· Those who have completed isolation after COVID-19 infection.
· Those who have received other vaccines at least 14 days ago and those who plan to have vaccines in 14 days.
· Those who have completed quarantine after COVID-19 exposure. This is not a safety-based recommendation; rather, it protects vaccine staff. The exceptions are long term care and congregate settings, in which vaccination is recommended for quarantining individuals using adequate PPE.
· If I already had COVID-19, there is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. The CDC cannot comment on whether people who had COVID-19 should get a COVID-19 vaccine at this time. A previous infection with COVID-19 infection, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, is not considered a contraindication to vaccination and serologic testing for SARS-CoV-1 antibodies is not recommended prior to vaccination.
The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is not currently recommended in:
· Individuals under 18
· Individuals with a known history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (see Full EUA Prescribing Information at https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/ ).
· Individuals with a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic, etc.) to any prior vaccine or other SC/IM/IV injection. However, if individuals experienced a less severe reaction vaccine is recommended.
