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Summary of COVID-19 Vaccination efforts by City of DubuqueCity of Dubuque City Council Meeting Consent Items # 9. Copyrighted September 7, 2021 ITEM TITLE: Summary of COVI D — 19 Vaccination efforts by City of Dubuque SUMMARY: City Manager transmitting a summary of COVI D-19 Vaccination efforts by the City of Dubuque SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Summary of COVI D-19 Vaccination efforts by City of City Manager Memo Dubuque-MVM Memo Memo to MVM re: summary of COVI D19 vaccination Staff Memo efforts by City of Dubuque THE C DUjIBQTE Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Summary of COVID — 19 Vaccination efforts by City of Dubuque DATE: September 1, 2021 Dubuque WAWca 914 ii 2007-2012.2013 2017*2019 Public Health Specialist Mary Rose Corrigan, Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach, and Public Information Officer Randy Gehl are transmitting the following summary of COVID-19 Vaccination efforts by the City of Dubuque. v Mic ael C. Van Milligen f•[y01f•i�i Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer THE CITY DUUB�QTE W77 Masterpiece are the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer DATE: September 1, 2021 RE: Summary of COVID — 19 Vaccination efforts by City of Dubuque INTRODUCTION Dubuque 2007-2012.2013 201 *2019 This memorandum provides of summary of vaccination efforts by the City of Dubuque in partnership with the Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT). DISCUSSION September 1, 2020: IMT receives information and vaccination planning tools from the IDPH. Mid -September: IMT surveys healthcare providers to assess their interest in being a vaccination site with preliminary plans due to the IDPH by October 1, 2020. Early October: IMT receiving info about vaccine dosage, early distribution guidelines Mid -October: Although planning is underway, it is now stalled due to contract issues between the national retailers and the federal government. November: No vaccine has been approved and no firm date for beginning administration has been established. The county vaccination plan, based on the IDPH strategy, will consist of the following elements: • Organizational structure and partner involvement • Phased approach to COVID-19 vaccinations • Critical populations prioritized • Provider recruitment and enrollment • Vaccine administration capacity • Vaccine allocation, ordering, distribution, and inventory management • Vaccine storage and handling • Vaccine administration documentation and reporting • Vaccination second dose reminders • Vaccination program communication and community education, including education to vulnerable populations • Regulatory, safety and program monitoring Early December: Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccines receive FDA Emergency Authorization Approval (EUA.) approval on December 12t" and 1811, 2020. Locally, a vaccine equity and accessibility committee has been established, led by Kelly Larson, Human Rights Department Director. The goal of the committee is to provide outreach to vulnerable populations for information and education dissemination regarding the vaccine, along with how various populations and groups can receive the vaccine. 2021 Early January: The IMT will determined the specific allocations to the health care and other vaccine providers as we receive weekly vaccine allocations. The county vaccination plan, based on the IDPH strategy focuses on • Vaccine administration capacity • Vaccine allocation, ordering, distribution, and inventory management • Vaccination program communication and community education, including education to vulnerable populations • Vaccine equity and accessibility Mid -January: The IMT is receiving ever -changing and evolving information and vaccination planning tools from the IDPH. Dubuque County IMT will sub -prioritize within the designated IDAC priority groups based on: • Age • Estimated population within the priority group/sub-group • Risk • Vaccine provider capability • Vaccine supply • Practical logistics • Local business/industry systems and climate, vulnerable populations, access to healthcare • COVID -19 disease trends • Surgeries/emergency treatment exposure • Work with elderly and other vulnerable populations • Specialize with children • Actively seeing vulnerable populations, Medicaid and uninsured Local approved vaccine providers and locations for vaccine administration will be selected based the following factors: • Vaccine provider current capacity and capability • Vaccine supply • Vaccine provider location and facility, ability to mobilize/relocate to community based and/or worksite locations • Ability to partner with other community vaccine providers • Ability to provide vaccine for open and/or closed Points of Distribution, including ability to schedule vaccination appointments As vaccine becomes more available and a predictable supply chain is evident, a common community- based Point of Distribution (POD) will be established/opened for approved vaccine providers to utilize. This POD or "market- place" vaccination site will provide space for those eligible to receive vaccinations and be selected based on specific IMT planning criteria. Vaccine allocation and supply is dependent on the following: • Manufacturing • Federal allocation • Distribution logistics • Priority group designations • Federal administration and forthcoming changes after the Presidential Inauguration Early February: IMT selects Kennedy Mall former Younkers store for community point of distribution (POD). The clinic will operate as a joint vaccination site for multiple local healthcare providers who will offer their patients COVID vaccinations at the site by appointment only. City staff assists with set up and POD operation: • Information Services Dept coordinates and oversees installation of internet • Fire Dept provides EMS presence at POD • Health Dept staff assists with logistics and daily operational needs • Engineering Dept provides traffic plan and outdoor signage • PIO office provides signage, stickers, media releases and community education A COVID-19 Vaccination mailer was developed by City PIO staff with input from the incident management team and joint information system group. The mailer was sent to over 47,500 addresses the last week in January, covering every zip code in Dubuque County. The PIO Office developed a Dubuque County "Sleeves Up!" vaccine logo to compliment vaccine information dissemination. Mid -February: Eight local providers have received vaccine allocations and administered vaccine. The Dubuque Fire Department is now an approved vaccine provider, making a total of 29 vaccine providers with 52 sites (not including long term care facilities that are approved vaccine providers.) The IMT determines the allocations to the approved vaccine providers as we receive weekly vaccine allocations. The IMT further prioritizes within the priority groups on who the vaccine will be administered based on numerous factors. A community point of distribution (POD) for vaccine providers to administer vaccines is up and running since February 10, 2021, at the Kennedy Mall former women's Younkers store. County residents aged 65 and over will be contacted by their healthcare provider when vaccines are available and vaccination appointments can be scheduled. Healthcare providers will contact their patients through a variety of channels including telephone, text, email, and letter. Detailed information on how to schedule appointments will be provided by each healthcare provider. Each provider will have dedicated space at the POD for their patients. Priority groups tied to worksites and within other subgroups will also receive vaccinations at the POD, or at a provider, depending on the criteria. For individuals without a primary health care provider, the IMT is planning for solutions when increased vaccine becomes available. In the meantime, HyVee will be receiving allocations for those 65 years and older and appointments can be made without regard to a medical provider. Planning for Phase 1 b tiers 2 through 5 is underway. The IMT is partnering with the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation who is leading an effort in conjunction with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce to gather information from county employers in order to determine if their employees will be eligible for vaccine in Phase 1 b tier 2. The information collected will also be used for Phase 1 c, which includes other essential workers not identified in phase 1 b. POD appointment sign- up information will be disseminated widely, in conjunction with the Joint Information Center, which is coordinated by City of Dubuque Public Information Officer Randy Gehl. March 1: Dubuque County will be receiving a limited allocation of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine which was approved Feb 27. The vaccine is targeted for manufacturing worksites as defined in Phase 1 b Tier 2. HyVee and MercyOne Pharmacy are receiving vaccine from the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership. More Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are being allocated vaccines directly through the Biden Administration Health Center Program, which was created to assist vaccinating some of the most vulnerable populations which are most often served by health centers. Community Health Care Inc in Davenport is the first Iowa FQHC to receive vaccine through this program. We look forward to Crescent Community Health Center receiving some of these allocations. Planning for Phase 1 b tiers 2 through 5 is underway. The IMT is partnering with the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation who is leading an effort in conjunction with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce to gather information from county employers in order to determine if their employees will be eligible for vaccine in Phase 1 b tier 2. The information collected will also be used for Phase 1 c, which includes other essential workers not identified in phase 1 b. Mid- March: County residents age 65 and over continue to be contacted by their healthcare provider when vaccines are available and vaccination appointments can be scheduled. Health care providers have also started scheduling 16-64 year -olds who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to specific medical conditions. Healthcare providers are contacting their patients through a variety of channels including telephone, text, email, and letter. Detailed information on how to schedule appointments will be provided by each healthcare provider. Priority groups tied to worksites and within other priority tiers will also receive vaccinations at the POD, or at a provider, depending on the criteria. Individuals without a primary health care provider who are 65 years and older and those 16-64 years old with at risk conditions can leave their contact information on the Dubuque County Sleeves Up phone line at 563 587 4950. They will be contacted as vaccines supplies are available. HyVee and MercyOne Pharmacy are receiving vaccine from the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership. Phase 1 b tiers 2 through 5 are now being scheduled. The IMT is partnering with the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation who is leading an effort in conjunction with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce to gather information from county employers in order to determine if their employees will be eligible for vaccine in Phase 1 b tier 2. The information collected will also be used for Phase 1 c, which includes other essential workers not identified in phase 1 b. Early April: A new "SleevesUp!" Dubuque County campaign was initiated recently to promote vaccinations and expanded vaccination eligibility. Social media posts and videos featuring messages on vaccine safety and effectiveness as well as testimonials from county board of health members and city council members are scheduled over the coming weeks and a countywide billboard campaign will begin next week featuring multiple messages on 10 different locations. The IMT continues to manage the IDPH vaccine allocations along with the allocations local pharmacies are receiving through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. We receive allocation notifications on Wednesday mornings which requires expeditious planning for local distribution and administration by the IMT and the local providers. The local distribution request must be returned to IDPH by Thursday at noon and the vaccines arrive here anytime between Friday and Tuesday April 5: To facilitate access to vaccination appointments, the Dubuque County Sleeves Up phone line at 563-690-6253 is staffed by trained city staff who have shifted their job responsibilities. Call takers facilitate vaccine clinic locations, appointment making and internet navigation though inbound and outbound calls to connect people to vaccines. A software system is now in place to manage this effort. With the removal of the Iowa Vaccine Shortage Order, COVID-19 vaccine are available to all Iowans. Phase 1 b tiers 2 through 5 are now being substantially complete. The IMT continues working with GDDC in conjunction with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce to gather information from county employers to vaccinate essential workers. Individuals without a primary health care provider can receive vaccination assistance and information on the Dubuque County Sleeves Up phone line at 563 587 4950. Planning begins for an additional POD- location to be Grand River Center Mid- April: Social media posts and videos featuring messages on vaccine safety and effectiveness as well as testimonials from county board of health members and city council members are running, and a countywide billboard campaign is underway featuring multiple messages on 10 different locations. Sixty-second commercials are also running on five different radio stations in the county. Posters and flyers are also being distributed. Additional targeted vaccine information is being produced for various audiences and events. The Grand River Center (GRC) POD, developed by staffed by the Dubuque Fire Department and city staff under the guidance of the IMT, has hosted two drive through clinics. On April 8, 2021, 205 Johnson & Johnson vaccines were administered and on April 15, 2021, 126 Pfizer doses were administered. The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors is funding the major portion of the operation. A vaccine clinic is scheduled at the POD this Thursday, April 22, 2021, from 2-7 PM. Appointments are available but not required. This will be the first major initiative for no appointments required. With the significant decline in vaccine demand over the last two weeks, the IMT is initiating "no appointment required" clinics at both the GRC and Kennedy Mall PODs. The decline in demand is a statewide trend. IDPH is meeting weekly with the larger populated counties to assess and plan for ongoing vaccine needs and education as well as how to utilize more vaccine allocations. Operation Warp Speed is still requiring the state and county to achieve the 80% vaccine administration rate (of the weekly allocations received.) The IMT has substantially completed the vaccination offering to county employers with GDDC in conjunction with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce. The IMT and local employers greatly appreciate the assistance provided and system developed for accomplishing this substantial task. The IMT thanks and commends GDDC and its partners for all their work on this vaccination effort. Equity Immersion Committee targets outreach efforts to communities with low immunization rate, including hosting three Facebook Live events hosted by community partners and including doctors and community members from the Black, Marshallese, and Latinx communities. Early May: Over 100 posters promoting clinics May 1-14, 2021, were produced and distributed by Health Services staff. COVID updates are now being issued on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday. The Grand River Center (GRC) POD, developed by staffed by the Dubuque Fire Department and city staff under the guidance of the IMT, and continues to host drive - through clinics, hosting a clinic at Farmers Market on May 8, 2021, and assisting with the Saturday May 1st clinic at Crescent Community Health Center. All of these clinics offer walk in and appointments. The decline in vaccine demand over the last four weeks continues and the IMT has responded with "no appointment required" clinics as much as possible. The decline in demand is a state and national trend. The IMT is facilitating and planning smaller community -based, outreach vaccination clinics over the next several weeks as the Kennedy Mall POD continues to see significant traffic. Operation Warp Speed no longer requires the state or counties to achieve the 80% vaccine administration rate (burn rate) and has also relaxed the "no waste" policy City of Dubuque staff canvassed low-income census tracts and neighborhoods close to vaccine clinic sites, sharing information on vaccine safety and importance. Mid -May: The Dubuque Fire Department and city staff operated POD at the Grand River Center will also wrap up their drive -through clinics at the end of May 2021. The City has notified the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors to give notice of ending the Grand River Center contract. The Fire Department will continue to assist with targeted clinics as needed. The IMT will continue to facilitate, develop, and plan smaller community -based, outreach vaccination clinics such as those recently conducted and scheduled at these locations where we have vaccinated a total of 228 individuals: • Audubon School • Comiskey Park • Dubuque Old 20 Farmers Market • Dubuque County Stock car races • Food Truck Friday in Washington Park • Farley Memorial Hall And in the future so far has scheduled: • Salvation Army Garden Party May 28, 2021, 11 am- 2 pm • Lacy Mansion by Jackson Park June 1, 2021, 4-7 pm • Tri-State Veteran's Freedom Center June 3, 2021, 1:30-3:30 pm In addition, health care providers and pharmacies continue to offer vaccinations at their sites. To facilitate access to vaccination appointments, the Dubuque County Sleeves Up phone line at 563-690-6253 continues, staffed by city staff who have shifted their job responsibilities. Call takers facilitate vaccine clinic locations, appointment making and internet navigation though inbound and outbound calls to connect people to vaccines. A software system manages this effort. The IMT is planning to finish booster vaccinations at the Kennedy Mall POD at the end of May and hold walk-in or scheduled appointment clinics on Fridays through the month of June 2021 (primarily via VNA.) Early June: The IMT is evaluating the need for continuing the POD at the Kennedy Mall site beyond June. The IMT will continue to facilitate, develop, and plan smaller community -based, outreach vaccination clinics since we are often reminded by individuals attending that these clinics are their only vaccination opportunity. Upcoming clinics at the following outreach locations: • Farley Memorial Hall, June 7, 2021, 4-7 pm (VNA) • Millwork Market, June 10, 2021 • Corporate Community Games, June 11, 2021 (Hartigs) Walk ins/initial vaccinations continue to be significant at the Kennedy Mall POD- we are currently evaluating continuation of this site beyond June 30t" based on vaccines administered there. In addition to vaccine administration at the POD on Fridays in June, VNA will be offering walk in appts. at their main location on Iowa St on some Mondays in June and July along with various community outreach sites In addition, health care providers and pharmacies continue to offer vaccinations at their sites. Mid -June: CornplwLed CCN110-19 Va drwal ns by Age Group In Dubuque Courltp -Direr Time frorn Bete m be r 202013re saint [E�25228210 IMJ330 OQm0 1;m0 {® ]�® 0.7m ffi VA Ms�� IDa0 •y+��Y ]r1l F. nr ] 1 U�3 APHI >•O1 W 20aa Itrr �]1 3,i 3kM 4� ]lpu aa,i --r -• or 3ia ;rx Wn 31Aa a;zra ash ;am ujA M.w 31etl 3%M _.�­06 -OLa _90-U ­45+ Early July: The Kennedy Mall POD had its last clinic on June 27, 2021. Opening on February 1, 2021, the POD provided a centralized venue for local vaccine providers to vaccinate their patients and the community at large, without disrupting their operations at their own facilities. The POD was also a consistent, easily accessible site for public vaccinations. Volunteers managed by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) are commended for their service. Without them, the POD could not have operated successfully for five months. As vaccine providers now utilize their own facilities during business hours, many opportunities for vaccination are available, both on a walk-in and appointment basis. The IMT continues to seek and plan for outreach vaccination opportunities and the IMT will continue to facilitate, develop and plan smaller community -based, outreach vaccination clinics. VNA will be offering walk in appointments at their main location at 660 Iowa Street August: PIO team is producing a vaccination promotion video featuring 8-10 local doctors encouraging residents to get vaccinated. The PIO facilitated the process for the recent physician's letter printed in the Telegraph Herald. VNA is giving out healthy snacks at all evening clinics on Mondays at their location on Iowa St and $10 Kwik Stop gas card at all clinic sites to any individual receiving vaccinations. VNA will be offering walk in appointments at their main location at 660 Iowa Street and scheduled clinics on the following: • Mondays: 8/16 (4pm-7pm) WALK INS. • Fridays: 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27 • September schedules to be determined. Outreach clinics coming up: • Wednesday St. Pat's Church Meal Site 4-530pm: 8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 8/25 • Sunday August 1 st 5-7pm: Dubuque Colts Youth Organization Music on the March • Tuesday August 3rd 6-8pm, National Night Out, Comiskey Park • Monday, Aug. 16, 6 - 9 p.m. New Vienna Fire Station, New Vienna In addition, health care providers and pharmacies continue to offer walk-in and appointments for vaccinations, prime and booster doses, at their sites, and assist with outreach clinics. To facilitate access to vaccination appointments, the Dubuque County Sleeves Up phone line at 563-690-6253 continues, currently staffed by AmeriCorps workers. After this week, staffing the phone line will be done by the City Manager's Office. Call takers facilitate vaccine clinic locations, appointment making and internet navigation though inbound and outbound calls to connect people to vaccines. CDC recommends 3rd dose for severely immunocompromised individuals. Community education via IMT weekly updates and addition to websites CDC/White house recommend booster vaccination for all 8 months following first dose. Community education begun and IMT plans in the works.