More COVID-19 Vaccine Headed To Iowa

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to Iowa and the rest of the United States has not gone nearly as smoothly as experts predicted it would. Iowans 65 years of age and older are now eligible to get the vaccine, but the state is simply running out. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that more vaccines are headed to Iowa.

CBS2 reports that Governor Reynolds stated that Iowa and other states will see their vaccine supplies increase by 16% starting with shipments next week. That information was relayed during a national call of governors with officials from the Biden Administration. In Iowa, that increase will equal just over 6,300 doses, and that amount is guaranteed for the next three weeks.

Governor Reynolds says that she was also informed that the new Johnson and Johnson vaccine is expected to get emergency use authorization from the FDA next month. The best thing about that vaccine is that it requires just a single shot. Reynolds say that will help speed up and simplify the vaccination process, according to CBS2. 

Governor Reynolds confirmed that for right now, vaccine supplies in the state remain limited. The good news is that nearly all long term care facilities in the state have received their first dose. CBS2 reports that the Governor is also working with CVS and Walgreens to redistribute any unused doses meant for Phase 1A, to go to any Iowan 65 and older.