-Submitted photo
Dean Anderson became the first resident to receive a COVID-19 vaccine recently at Friendship Haven, as CVS Pharmacy administered over 400 vaccines to residents and staff.

At 1 p.m. today, the Webster County Health Department will start accepting 700 appointments for those age 65 and older wanting to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Those wishing to schedule must meet the age requirement, not be actively sick and not be in public health isolation. Vaccinations will be available by appointment only for the clinic on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crossroads Mall.

To schedule an appointment:

-Have your name, address, date of birth, phone number and any available insurance information ready. Those without insurance will not be turned away. Though the COVID-19 vaccine itself is free, insurance companies will be billed a $16 administrative fee to cover the cost of delivering the vaccine. Medicare insurance covers this fee.

-Call 515-227-7104 or visit https://www.webstercountyia.gov/covid19/index.php to schedule. Calls will not be answered until after 1 p.m. Tuesday.

-If you receive an appointment, arrive at the west side of Crossroads Mall, 217 S. 25th St., at your scheduled time on Saturday. Parking will be available in front of the mall’s west entrance. Overflow parking will be available behind Ja-Mar Drive In.

-There will be a 15 minute wait time after you receive your vaccination.

-Please dress in layers so your arm is accessible.

-Only those receiving a shot will be allowed in the clinic.

-Masks are required for all at the vaccination clinic.

-If you arrive at the mall without an appointment, you will be turned away.

Those who are unable to be scheduled for this Saturday’s clinic will be eligible for future clinics.