County public health departments are asking for patience as the rollout of coronavirus vaccines are hampered by limited allocations in the state.

Phase 1B of vaccinations is scheduled to start Monday in Iowa, but many counties have yet to receive their supply of vaccines which may be limited to just 200 doses per county. Keokuk County Health Administrator Allie Helmuth says waiting isn’t easy, “We’re all in this together and we just need to keep doing our part. If we can mask up, wash our hands frequently and stay home when we’re sick, we can slow the spread of this. So, staying in this (together).”

Helmuth says it’s been trying times for healthcare workers and the general public during the pandemic. But, after the first round of vaccinations, she says she heard several comments that “there is light at the end of the tunnel” in hopes of a return to normal within the next year.

Helmuth says they could use volunteers to help with the next COVID-19 vaccine clinic, but that date has not been established yet. Click here for volunteer information.