Washington County will still prioritize vaccine lists

WASHINGTON - Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski said COVID-19 vaccines will still be prioritized for those over 65 and with underlying conditions.

During the Board of Health meeting on Thursday, Pettit-Majewski said even though the state has opened eligibility for all Iowans starting April 5, Public Health will continue to prioritize at-risk groups.

'We can't control what retail pharmacies do, but I think as a county we should prioritize those that are at greater risk,” Pettit-Majewski said.

Public Health maintains a waitlist of those calling interested in a vaccination.

Public Health Fiscal Administrator Peggy Wood said there are 691 people on the waitlist. Of those 100 have been sent to the hospital to get vaccines and another 100 to a pharmacy. Along with that, she said they get an additional 30 to 50 people each day calling to be added to the list.

Pettit-Majewski said only at-risk individuals are being put on the list. Woods said those answering the phone calls are strict on the screening process to determine who is on the list. Pettit-Majewski added there are around 400 people in the Tier 2 manufacturing companies who still need to be vaccinated.