JOHNSTON, Iowa. (KMTV) — On Tuesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and others provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 response efforts and plans for vaccine distribution.
The state has already received doses of the Moderna vaccine which will be utilized as soon as possible. Due to it not needing ultra-cold storage settings, it’s well suited for rural areas that don’t have the ability to store Pfizer’s version of the vaccine Reynolds said.
Next week, on Monday, Dec. 28, the state plans to begin vaccinating staff members and residents at long term care facilities using Moderna’s version of the vaccine in a partnership with pharmacies and other providers.
Iowa was expecting more doses of it but only received a fraction due to planning errors on a federal level Reynolds said.
Statewide, Reynolds said that case rates and hospitalizations are trending down and she hopes Iowans will keep that trend going with upcoming holiday celebrations.
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