Mobile vaccine clinic coming to Kalona

A free vaccination clinic plans to stop in Kalona early next week, setting up in a parking lot west of the Kalona Sales Barn at C Avenue and Ninth Street.

Steph Leonard, secretary of the nonprofit group Rural Health and Safety of Eastern Iowa (RHSEI) said the event was scheduled to line up with the sale barn’s monthly special horse and tackle sale, running 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Aug. 2.

“We are hoping that Horse and Tack sale attendees will take advantage of the opportunity for convenient, free, safe and effective vaccination,” Leonard said. “The opportunity for vaccination is open to all - not just those at the sale - and the site is easy to access.”

Leonard said anyone age 12 and up would be eligible for the free vaccine.

While Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require follow-up shots weeks after the first, Leonard said these second doses were available at One to One Pharmacy or virtually any other vaccine provider in the area.

RHSEI Chairman and Washington County resident Roger Stutsman endorsed the vaccine clinic.

“Vaccination rejection isn’t something to do lightly,” he said in a statement. “People need to consider and understand the risks and consequences of the large number of people rejecting the chance to control this virus. Getting vaccinated is about community, caring about others as well as yourself. Being vaccinated is being a responsible citizen.”