CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KWWL) -- More than a thousand Iowans will get vaccinated in Cedar Rapids this weekend, during the state's first 24-hour vaccine clinic.
The clinic started at 9 a.m. Saturday and runs through 9 a.m. Sunday at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse in downtown Cedar Rapids.
The 24-hour clinic is a partnership between the Linn County Health Department and Reutzel Pharmacy.
"As independent pharmacies, we are generally a little bit smaller staffing-wise. We have actually hired some staff to help with the COVID vaccination clinics just for this reason," Reutzel Pharmacy Operations Manager Roger Thompson said. "We couldn't do this without a collaboration."
The clinic will be open to any individual age 16 and older. The 24-hour clinic is being held to accommodate shift workers and other populations that may need flexible hours for scheduling a vaccine appointment. Interpretation services are also available.
"We are going overnight, so that allows people that work second or third shift to have more flexibility with their work hours to be able to come in," Linn County Public Health Clinical Services Supervisor Heather Meador said. " Instead of some clinics where it might just be from nine to five, and it's hard to take time off of work to come in. Hopefully, we're going to be able to see some other people that have difficulties trying to find vaccination time slots because of work obligations."
About 1,000 vaccines will be administered throughout the duration of the clinic. Recipients will get the Pfizer vaccine. The second dose clinic will be held on May 8.
"All we want to do is get our population vaccinated," Meador said. "The best thing we can do to get to the other side of this pandemic is going to be through vaccination and protecting our community."
Appointments are required. Any individual making an appointment should be available for both the first and second-dose clinics. Once made, appointments cannot be rescheduled. To schedule an appointment, call 319-892-6097 or use the appointment scheduling link found here.
As of Saturday morning, there were still some appointments available for the 24-hour clinic. The majority of which are from Midnight to 6 a.m. on Sunday.
"We are excited to be here, and we are excited to have staff that is willing to stay overnight and do these unique things," Thompson said. "Ultimately, our goal is to get as many shots in arms as possible."
Iowa State student Patrick Shirazi rolled up his sleeve Saturday morning. After weeks of searching, his mom was able to score him an appointment while he was on a quick trip home for his sister's birthday.
"I've been looking forward to this," Shirazi said. "I am glad to be able to get my first shot and soon get my second."
Shirazi is yearning for the days when mask-wearing and social distancing are a thing of the past.
"Being able to have this off, not worried to be out in public see all my friends," he said. "Hang out, and hopefully, have a great summer."
Health experts say it is possible if, for now, we all continue to social distance, wear masks, and get vaccinated when it is our turn.
"Every vaccine into an arm is one step closer to getting to the other side of this pandemic," Meador said.
The 24-hour clinic was one of several held in Linn County Saturday. Health officials also held a clinic at the Young Parent Network to service the county's Hispanic population.
As supply increases, Linn County may have more 24-hour clinics in the future. Still, Meador said future clinics would likely be more targeted toward groups with a harder time getting vaccinated.
"We are getting to that point where supply is starting to meet demand, which is a great thing, which means people will not need to wait as long to find a vaccine," Meador said. "Vaccine appointments were filling up in just a few minutes. Now they are not filling up quite as quickly."
For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations in Linn County, click here or call 319-892-6097.
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