(IDPH Press Release; Des Moines, IA) On December 16, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) received updated planning numbers for COVID-19 vaccine allocations from the CDC. As we have said all along, these are planning numbers that will continue to change.

IDPH is working through the distribution details with the revised vaccine allocation from CDC. Vaccine distribution will continue to follow the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations that health care personnel and long-term care (including assisted living) residents and staff remain the first priority for vaccination.

Despite these revisions, IDPH is committed to initiating the national pharmacy program for long-term care facilities the week of December 28 as planned, though the original timeline for completion will be impacted. The Infectious Disease Advisory Council (IDAC), will convene within the next 48 hours to discuss how changes in allocation numbers will affect the prioritization of and timeline for healthcare personnel receiving the vaccine.

Expected Approximate Vaccine Allocation, for Planning Purposes Only. These numbers are subject to change:

Additional Pfizer Doses

The FDA and CDC have shared information acknowledging extra doses of vaccine are available in the Pfizer vaccine vial. IDPH is awaiting formal guidance and direction from FDA and CDC.