Public health departments may be divided by county lines, but area departments have been working hand-in-hand to support one another.

Last week, the Calhoun County Health Department completed its Phase 1A of COVID-19 vaccinations, but still had a few remaining vials. Calhoun County Health Department Director Barb Riley contacted Webster County Health Department (WCPH) Director Kari Prescott and offered the remaining vials to WCPH.

“We are thankful for Barb and Calhoun County Health Department and their willingness to help our Webster County Phase 1A populations,” said Prescott. “These doses were used right away to continue vaccinating our Phase 1A health care workers.”

Webster County is completing Phase 1A of vaccinations. The Iowa Department of Public Health hopes that county health departments will be able to move into Phase 1B around Feb. 1.

“We remain in a vaccine shortage,” said Prescott. “Health departments are very deliberate about every vial and every dose of the vaccine because it is so important. There isn’t enough vaccine right now which is why we are thankful for our regional partnership with local health departments like Calhoun County’s for coordinating vaccine distribution across county lines.”

When Phase 1B’s vaccines are received, WCPH plans to announce plans for vaccination clinics and scheduling via the Webster County web site, social media platforms, and via local media outlets.