Vaccine navigators available to more Iowans via 211
(Radio Iowa) - Iowans under the age of 65 who have underlying health conditions and do not have internet access may now dial 211 for help in scheduling a Covid shot.
Operators answering calls to 211 have been helping technologically-challenged Iowans OVER the age of 65 connect with so-called vaccine navigators. These navigators have helped schedule several thousand vaccination appointments. This service -- accessed by dialing 211 -- is now available to the other Iowans who currently qualify for vaccinations due to a medical condition like diabetes, but can't navigate the online scheduling. The vaccine navigators have translation services available to help Iowans with language barriers that make scheduling a shot difficult.
Governor Reynolds announced last week the state is on track to open vaccination appointments to all Iowans on Monday, April 5th.