Heritage will help with seniors vaccine questions, transportation

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday that area agencies on aging will be assisting public health on COVID-19 vaccine questions, transportation and scheduling. While this is a statewide announcement, it is a local effort.

The Heritage Area Agency on Aging will be working with each individual county public health office, as they are the experts and serve as the leaders in vaccine allocation. Washington County is one of Heritage's service areas.

'This is a very fluid situation and information can change daily. It is also different in each county,” the agency said in a news release. 'We recognize that this is a stressful time and that many may be frustrated with their ability to get vaccinated.”

The local Public Health Department is the best source to receive current information regarding local vaccine distribution efforts. Because vaccine quantities are limited at this time, Heritage may not be able to help locate a provider in your area.

Heritage will assist older adults with the following:

' Help direct callers to their local public health department to receive information on the status of COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts,

' Help direct callers to resources such as transportation to help get them their COVID-19 vaccine appointments safely.

' Help direct callers to resources if they have additional questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Heritage's service region is made up of seven eastern Iowa counties: Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington. Older adults wanting to contact their Area Agency on Aging in Iowa should call 1-866-468-7887.

Heritage has compiled a list of resources and links to local public health departments on its website at HeritageAAA.org/covid19.