Ringgold County Public Health continues to gather contact information for county residents who are interested in receiving COVID-19 vaccination. As of this week, we have been able to schedule all eligible persons on our waiting list over the age of 65 desiring vaccine. If you would like vaccine and have not been contacted, please call 641-464-0691 to schedule. Data needed includes name, date of birth, and a phone number where the individual can be reached.
Agency partners include local schools, disability service providers, and healthcare providers, including local nursing homes. Another population focus is individuals with disabilities living in home settings who are dependent on attendant care staff as well as their attendant care staff. The agency is also taking contact information for those residents under age 65 with underlying health conditions who are interested in vaccination in order to have adequate depth if cancellations or extra doses are available.
Vaccine supply is gradually increasing nationwide. The agency currently is administering Moderna vaccine, which has been proven to be 94.1% effective two weeks after the second dose.
“We appreciate the support of our partners in this endeavor. We’re so glad to be making progress in protecting our community from COVID illness,” states Becky Fletchall, RN, BSN Nurse Administrator. Per state reporting data as of 3/1/2021, county residents have received 1,280 doses with 346 completing the 2-dose series.
The agency also continues to complete case investigation and contact tracing in order to help minimize further spread of COVID-19 illness. “Although our positive case numbers have decreased, COVID remains active within our communities,” states Fletchall. Per Iowa Department of Public Health, a total of 20 Ringgold County residents have died from COVID as an underlying cause or contributing factor.
More information is available at: https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/
Please call 641-464-0691 if you are interested in receiving vaccine.