Joint Press Release – February 17, 2021

Posted: February 17, 2021 at 3:37 PM in Covid

Immediate Release                                                                  nsacquitne@winneshiekhealth.org

February 17, 2021

Weekly Vaccine update:

The Winneshiek County Covid-19 planning committee continues to meet and review status within the county regarding vaccine and its distribution.

Each entity involved continues to follow the guidelines for distribution as directed by CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). Vaccine allocations in the state continued to be monitored and directed by each individual county.

During the month of February, the county only receives 300 doses of vaccine per week which have been shared with Winneshiek Medical Center, Gundersen Health System in Decorah, and Public Health.   80% of those 300 doses must be given in each week and we are pleased to report that this has been occurring. As shared by one of the partners this morning, “they have 1,000 patients that fall between the ages of 75-84 years old, so it is going to take time when you may only have 100 doses per week to work with.”

Winneshiek County Public Health (WCPH)

  • Continues to focus on Phase 1B tiers with all county K-12 schools vaccinated this week with first doses.
  • Will continue to only take names of individuals from Winneshiek County aged 65 and older without any primary doctor or pharmacy. Call 563-382-4662.

Winneshiek Medical Center (WMC)

  • Continues to use priority system to determine patients and will call you when time occurs.
  • WMC has given 100% of their allocation.
  • Do not call, they will call you.

Gundersen Health Systems

  • 100 doses received 2/9/21-Administered 65 doses on 2/12/21 and 64 doses on 2/15/21.
  • 100 doses received on 2/12/21-Administering 30 doses on 2/18/21, 50 doses on 2/19/21 and 20 doses on 2/23/21 (Patients are already scheduled).
  • Continues to follow a priority list.
  • Do not call, they will call you.

Donlon Pharmacy

  • Donlon Pharmacy has received COVID-19 vaccines through the Federal Retail Pharmacy program. In Iowa, Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN) was one pharmacy partner selected by the CDC. Donlon Pharmacy is a member of CPESN and received 100 doses Wednesday February 10th and all have been administered.
  • This allocation is separate from Winneshiek County Public Health’s allocation. As more doses arrive, Donlon Pharmacy will continue to randomly contact patients age 65 and older who have received a prescription from the pharmacy in the last year to schedule an appointment.
  • Please be patient and do not contact the pharmacy to request an appointment.

Thrifty White and Walmart pharmacy

  • Currently have not received any allocations through either Public Health or the Federal Retail pharmacy program due to limited supply.
  • Do not call either pharmacy.
  • When vaccine is received, their online systems will be activated for persons to sign-up.
  • Looking after March 1st before vaccine available.

This remains a very slow process and all partners are asking for your patience and understanding as we move forward.

In the interim, remember to continue following your safe practices of wearing a mask, social distancing and staying home if you are ill. Thank you for your help and consideration in this matter.