Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) is assisting Story County Public Health to administer COVID-19 vaccines for those eligible in phases 1A and 1B as part of the state's strategy for phased distribution. Erin Baldwin, TSHC director and associate vice president for student health and wellness, said availability is very limited, and Thielen staff will contact those who are eligible.
Baldwin said they are taking a similar approach to other Story County health care providers and first offering the vaccine to the oldest employees and working their way down the list. So far, ISU employees who are 72 years of age and older have been contacted and offered the opportunity to receive the vaccine through the student health center. Employees and students between the ages of 65 and 72 will be contacted as more vaccine becomes available.
Thielen staff is administering the vaccine outside of normal business hours and in addition to their regular duties. Due to the extra workload, Baldwin said it is imperative that the Iowa State community not call the clinic to inquire about eligibility.
Iowa State is receiving small allotments of vaccine, which come directly from Story County Public Health's allocation received through the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). The effort started with Iowa State employees who met the IDPH guidelines for phase 1A and then expanded to include those who are 65 years of age and older, in accordance with IDPH guidelines.
Baldwin said an ISU vaccination working group is developing plans to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all employees and students once it is available to the general public. Until then, she encourages those who are eligible for the vaccine to consult with their doctor or pharmacist about availability. All Story County and statewide vaccine providers are listed on the ISU vaccination website.
Further updates on vaccine availability for populations beyond the IDPH phase 1B will be shared with the campus community as available.
