Iowa news
As demand for COVID-19 vaccinations drop, one community nears herd immunity
The number of Iowans who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 is still far below what experts say is needed for herd immunity, and demand for the vaccine is decreasing. State officials say 88 of Iowa’s 99 counties have recently declined all or part of their vaccine allocation. But there’s one place in Iowa that is nearing the herd immunity threshold — the Meskwaki Nation. (Iowa Public Radio)
Centivo partners with MercyOne to offer coverage option for self-funded employers
Centivo, a new virtual accountable care organization health plan targeting self-funded employers, announced it will enter the Iowa market through a partnership with MercyOne health system. The health plans, which will be available for self-funded employers with a July 1 or later renewal date, offer free primary care with no deductibles or coinsurance, and provide access to a high-quality physician network through the MercyOne Population Health Services Organization Partnered Provider Network, also known as Incirca Health Network. (Business Record)
First two cases of India variant of COVID-19 detected in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health on Tuesday confirmed two cases of the India variant of COVID-19 in Iowa. Health officials say they’re still learning about the characteristics of the variant, officially named SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617, which was first detected in India. IDPH said this variant is not designated as a “variant of concern,” because there is currently no evidence of increased transmissibility or severe disease associated with it. The cases, detected in an adult and an older adult in Jefferson County, are currently the only known cases of the variant in Iowa. (KCRG)
National news
Why lagging COVID-19 vaccine rate at rural hospitals ‘needs to be fixed now’
President Biden has announced new steps to reach rural Americans in the push to get as many people as possible vaccinated for the coronavirus. This emphasis comes as rural hospitals are raising alarms about the pace of vaccination — even among their employees. The Biden administration is moving into a new phase of its vaccination campaign, one where it knows physicians and health care professionals are often more persuasive than the government. (Iowa Public Radio)
Biden’s new goal: 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4
President Joe Biden wants 70% of US adults to have at least one COVID-19 shot by July 4, a goal he announced with steps to vaccinate harder-to-reach populations and preparations for vaccinating teenagers. About 56% of adults have received at least one shot. The pace of vaccinations required to reach 70% is much slower than the speed with which the nation got to its current levels. Vaccinators are moving beyond the most vulnerable populations and those most eager to get vaccinated. (USA Today)
Pfizer says FDA will soon authorize COVID-19 vaccine for 12-15 age group
The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 12-15 years old, a decision that could come early next week. The vaccine is authorized only for people 16 and older. A ruling should come “shortly,” Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla told investors. The company announced in late March that it would ask the FDA to expand its emergency-use authorization to allow younger people to receive the vaccine, citing clinical trials that showed the vaccine elicits “100% efficacy and robust antibody responses” in adolescents from 12-15 years old. (Iowa Public Radio)