As 105 new COVID-19 deaths were confirmed in Iowa this week with higher hospitalization rates in the southeast region and statewide, Washington County residents are reminded of opportunities to receive their COVID-19 or booster shot.

Washington County Public Health is hosting walk-in flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics from 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m. on Wednesdays December 15th and 22nd on the fifth floor of the Federation Bank building in Washington. Those six months and older can receive a flu vaccine and those five years and older can receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. Children 18 years and younger who do not have health insurance or are enrolled in Medicaid can get a free flu shot through the federal Vaccines for Children program. Public Health is hosting VFC clinics from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. December 16th and December 21st at Federation Bank, and from 3-6 p.m. December 20th at the Kalona YMCA. Call 319-653-7758 to schedule an appointment.

As of Wednesday 7,550 Iowans have died due to COVID-19, and the 14-day average positive test rate has increased both on a county and state level with Washington at 6.5% and the state at 12%. Statewide hospitalizations increased from 721 a week ago to 777, with those in the Intensive Care Unit increasing from 172 to 185. In the southeast region 39 patients were added in the last week for a total of 197, with nine additional patients in the ICU for a total of 65. Those not fully vaccinated account for 73.8% of those hospitalized for COVID-19, and 84.3% of those in the ICU. For information on vaccine clinics, visit here.