CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Law enforcement agencies are part of the first tier in the current vaccination phase in Iowa.
Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner said their department has not yet started vaccinating workers, he also said less than half of them are interested in getting it.
Gardner said he doesn’t necessarily view that rate as low, but average when compared to other law enforcement or correction workers. However, it is lower than he hoped for.
Gardner said they were investigating staff to see who would be ready and willing to receive a vaccine, and also offered information from the state and provincial departments of public health about getting a vaccine. He said they will not require workers to receive the vaccine, but hopes that as they get more information about its distribution, more workers will come to get vaccinated.
As to why less than 50% of workers surveyed want the opportunity, he’s not sure.
“I think at least for me and my family it seems like the right thing to do. There may be legitimate reasons why some of our employees do not receive the vaccine. And vice versa, I know that some of my staff have already received the vaccine. They could get it elsewhere instead of through the channels here at the sheriff’s office, ”Gardner said. “I encourage anyone who wants to get it. I have provided them with so much factual information that they can make an informed decision. “
Gardner said the prison nurses are pre-approved to distribute the vaccine, but since the vaccine that public health expects requires very cold storage, they cannot store it indoors or in prison. That is why they are vaccinated by local hospitals.
Once they are given a vaccine that they can keep indoors, the prison nurses can hand out shots to the inmates and correctional center staff.
Gardner said he thinks it’s important for staff to get the vaccine because it’s the fastest way to get back to what’s normal.
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