COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1b

General Overview

On January 11, 2021, the Iowa Infectious Disease Advisory Council recommended priority populations for Phase 1B, which included individuals 75 years of age and older and certain populations vulnerable to high risk of exposure or severity of illness. Governor Reynolds announced on January 21 individuals 65 years of age and older would be eligible in Phase 1B. These priority populations are different from CDC’s Phase 1B recommendations. 

We ask our community to be patient as we all work to vaccinate as many individuals as possible given the vaccine availability.

Phase 1B Populations

Iowa COVID-19 Phase 1B Summary
  1. Tiers 1-5
  2. Adults 65+

Eligible 1B Tier Populations

On February 1, Tier 1 became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to the limited supply of vaccine, vaccine was prioritized to identified groups within Phase 1B Tier 1. Beginning March 14, all Tier 1-5 groups are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Linn County. This includes:

Tier 1

  • First responders
  • PK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers

Tier 2

  • Food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing workers who work in or live in congregate settings that DO NOT ALLOW for social distance (does not include worksites where employees can social distance or restaurant, grocery and other essential businesses)
  • 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 and 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

Local Vaccine Providers

I Need Help Finding or Scheduling an Appointment  

  • The state's COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Information Dashboard, and Vaccinate Iowa, is updated as new information becomes available. 
  • Iowans with barriers to scheduling a vaccine appointment or who do not have internet access who are 65 and older, or 64 and younger with an underlying health condition as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) here, can call 211 or (800) 244-7431 and a vaccine navigator will assist them with scheduling a vaccine appointment. Translation services are available.
  • Frequently check your healthcare provider's website for information and instructions for scheduling appointments. If you do not have a primary care provider, Linn County Public Health can help. You may call (319) 892-6097 for assistance with locating a vaccine provider.

Click the Button Below to Find a Local Vaccine Provider

COVID Vaccine Providers

Beware of Scams

Our local area agency on aging reported a scam in Iowa where someone calls to offer older Iowans the opportunity to buy a ticket to guarantee a space on the waiting list. The FBI has also warned the public to be aware of activities that indicate fraudulent activity. Learn more.