Public Health Gives Vaccinations a Boost

JEFFERSON, Iowa – At the end of 2024, Greene County Public Health not only incorporated a new vaccine handling system, they also rolled out a new adult-centered program.

“We were thrilled when the state of Iowa made the decision to create the Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program for underinsured or uninsured residents,” said Public Health Director, Shelby Cooklin. “We already had a similar program in place for children; and now, we can help more adults get and stay current on necessary immunizations.”

The program is operated by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, who identified a goal of increasing adult vaccination rates across the state while also decreasing the existing disparity in immunization coverage for residents 19 and older who may be uninsured or underinsured. Currently, qualifying adults can get immunized for a wide variety of illnesses, from the flu to tetanus, including the COVID-19 vaccine at reduced or no cost to them. To be eligible for VFA vaccines, you must be an adult age 19 or older who has no health insurance or a policy that does not provide vaccine coverage, caps prevention services or does not provide first-dollar coverage for vaccines.

During the same timeframe, Public Health also installed a VaxCare system, which monitors their stock vaccines.
“It tracks our inventory and will automatically generate a shipment when needed,” Cooklin said. “VaxCare also allows us to vaccinate more people, both children and adults, because they have the capability of billing more private insurance companies than we had been able to in the past.” Cooklin added the system indexes vaccines, ensuring they are current and appropriate for specific age ranges.

Because billing is done through VaxCare, Cooklin wants all Public Health patients to be aware that this will be the name on their insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB). VaxCare will also bill separately for any co-pay portions.

For more information on the Vaccines for Adults program or VAxCare, contact Public Health at 515-386-3228.