DES MOINES, Iowa - As Iowa prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the state’s first COVID-19 cases, Gov. Kim Reynolds urged all Iowans to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.
Reynolds received her COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, the Johnson & Johnson shot, during her press briefing.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. AP image.
“I wanted to ensure Iowans that I believe it is a safe vaccine, don’t be afraid to take it,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds said she wanted to wait to get her vaccine until many others - healthcare workers, the elderly population and essential workers - got their shots.
The Cerro Gordo Public Health Department is also urging residents to get their information about vaccines from credible sources. Director Brian Hanft says the vaccine is safe and effective.
He said, "I would just strongly encourage people to let the science speak for itself. The vaccines are effective and I stress from my position that people should get it."
The state of Iowa is also looking to solve a lag for many who aren’t getting their second COVID-19 vaccine within the recommended 21 or 28 days.
She said that 77 percent of the overdue booster doses are among pharmacy providers. The Iowa Department of Public Health said the problem is due to a file transfer issue.
1-year-anniversary is March 8
Sunday will mark one year since the state announced its first COVID-19 infection.
Reynolds said that “as we reflect, we cannot and should not forget those who lost their lives to COVID-19.”
Iowa has reported 5,498 deaths and more than 337,000 cases.
“We are praying for peace and comfort to those who loved them, and we will move forward as Iowans do,” Reynolds said.
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