The state opened up vaccine eligibility to all Iowans on Monday, April 5, but in a press conference on Wednesday, March 31, Reynolds reminded Iowans that demand for vaccine will outnumber supply at first.

“Expanding eligibility opens the opportunity for more Iowans to be vaccinated but it also means that more Iowans will be vying for the vaccine appointments as they become available,” Reynolds said. “So even though the vaccine supply is increasing, there still, at this point, won’t be enough doses to vaccinate everyone immediately. It will take some time to work our way through the process so, again, we’re asking you to please remain patient. Our local public health departments and our vaccine providers statewide have proven time and time again that as our system of vaccine distribution and administration is working extremely well. So, we’re just waiting for those allocations to continue to increase to states across the country.”

Iowans age 16 and up can receive the Pfizer vaccine and those 18 and up can receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

“While demand increases over the next few weeks, getting an appointment may be challenging in some areas, but just as we experienced when eligibility was expanded previously, it doesn’t take long before appointments become more readily available,” Reynolds said. “We’re also taking additional steps to ensure that those with barriers to scheduling an appointment can easily get help.”

The state has expanded the Iowa 211 vaccine scheduling assistance to include individuals ages 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions. Previously, the service was only available to Iowans age 65 and older.

Iowa 211 helps callers with technology or language barriers find vaccine appointments.

“By simply dialing 211, selecting number 9 to speak with a vaccine navigator and providing some general information, they can be scheduled for an appointment at a nearby pharmacy,” Reynolds said.

Additionally, Iowa 211 can now schedule appointments at some Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN) locations. Reynolds said this includes pharmacies in many rural communities.

The federal government also announced that it plans to expand the retail pharmacy program nationwide, which could add as many as 20,000 pharmacies across the nation. Although the state isn’t sure yet which pharmacies will be added, they will likely include smaller pharmacies in rural areas that have so far received very limited allocations.

Reynolds urged all Iowans to get vaccinated. She shared data from a CDC study of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines that showed findings consistent with the vaccine clinical trials: The vaccines were 90% effective for those fully vaccinated and 80% effective for those who got only one dose.

“According to the CDC, the study reinforces its recommendation that all eligible Iowans should be fully immunized, and I want to echo that,” Reynolds said. “For months we held on to hope that a vaccine would eventually be available and that it would make it possible to get life back to normal and I think we all can say that time is now.”

“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and it’s what will allow us to fully return to living our lives in the ways that we value the most. It’s why Kevin and I were both vaccinated and it’s why I’m asking Iowans to do the same and there’s no time like the present.”