Story County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Update:
Next Phase Groups Announced by IDPH; Persons 65 and older included
Jan. 25, 2021
The Iowa Department of Public Health has announced priority populations for the next phase (1B) of COVID-19 vaccinations.
The 1B phase vaccinations are slated to being Feb. 1. The extent of vaccinations in Story County will be determined by availability of vaccine.
Here are the priority groups:
Persons aged 65 years and over. OR, the following populations vulnerable to high risk of exposure or severity of illness (listed in order of priority):
Tier 1
- First responders (e.g., firefighters, police officers, and child welfare social workers)
- PK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers (Story County has prioritized childcare centers with more than 10 children.)
Tier 2
- Food, agriculture, distribution, and manufacturing workers who work in or live in congregate settings that do not allow for social distancing
- Individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff
Tier 3
- Staff of and individuals living in congregate settings (does not include college dormitories)
- Government officials, to ensure continuity of government including staff, engaged in state business at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session
Tier 4
- Inspectors responsible for hospital, long-term care, and child safety
Tier 5
- Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated

People 65 and older can seek vaccines from McFarland Clinic, Story County Medical Center, UnityPoint Huxley and NESCO Family Medical Clinic. It is recommended that you check these organizations websites to determine how they plan to administer the vaccine.
- Story County Medical Center has posted information about its plans for the next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations (1B) at www.storymedical.org.
Story County Public Health will provide vaccine for the tiered groups.
The ability of these locations to provide vaccines will depend on the allocation of vaccine Story County receives. The tentative plan is to distribute 50 percent of the county’s weekly doses to the clinics, and 50 percent to Story County Public Health.
Some area pharmacies will also provide vaccines for these groups, as well, depending on availability of vaccine.