Community Health Center Vaccination Program Expands Access to
Populations Disproportionately Affected by COVID-19 and Enhances Vaccine Access in Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Eastern Iowa Health Center (EIHC) is one of six additional community health centers in Iowa that will receive direct COVID-19 vaccine allocations as part of the national Community Health Center Vaccine Program in the coming weeks. Last month, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson led Iowa’s House delegation in sending a letter urging the Biden Administration to include Iowa’s community health centers in receiving direct allocations of vaccines through the program.
Direct allocation of vaccines to Eastern Iowa Health Center will greatly expand access in the area. EIHC will continue to coordinate with Linn County Public Health and Iowa Department of Public Health to ensure that vulnerable and underserved populations are able to have equitable access to vaccinations. EIHC is following current state vaccination eligibility guidelines.
EIHC patients will be contacted by phone, email and text when they are eligible to schedule an appointment as supply allows. More information may be found at www.EasternIowaHealthCenter.com/covid19/vaccine.
“Iowa’s community health centers will play a critical role in ensuring more Iowans can access the COVID-19 vaccine, especially those in rural or underserved communities. I am grateful for their input and efforts to ensure that all Iowans who wants a vaccine can receive one, regardless of where they live. I will continue fighting to make sure Iowans and the community health centers that serve them are not left behind,” said Congresswoman Hinson.
“Community health centers play a vital role in ensuring vulnerable populations who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 have access to vaccines,” said Dr. Ursula Livermore, Chief Medical Officer of Eastern Iowa Health Center “We are thankful for the advocacy on our behalf by Congresswoman Hinson and Iowa’s House delegation. We are excited to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccines and continue to inoculate our patients.”
Additional community health centers in Iowa’s first congressional district receiving vaccinations within the next six weeks includes Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque and Primary Health Care with locations in Marshalltown. According to a release from the Health Resources and Services Administration, these community health centers include those serving a high proportion of low income and minority patients, those providing services to rural populations, and/or community health centers using mobile vans to deliver services.
