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How Iowa Vaccine Alerts Has Helped Thousands Get COVID-19 Shots

Steve Cornfield
/
Unsplash

Even if you’re eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in Iowa, it can be incredibly challenging to find one. There is no centralized scheduling website or phone number.

Iowans over age 65 can get assistance by calling 2-1-1, along with those who have limited internet access or other barriers. But all other Iowans have found that they’re pretty much on their own. For people who have reliable Wi-Fi and are comfortable with technology, making appointments can still be challenging. For those who aren’t comfortable with technology, it’s even harder.

Many Iowans have stepped forward to help by creating aggregator websites and offering their assistance to friends and family.

Over the past couple of weeks the Iowa Vaccine Alert Twitter account has gained more than 30,000 followers and helped connect thousands of Iowans with vaccines.

The man behind that account is Brian Finley and on this edition of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with Finley about the account's quick growth and some of the challenges he's faced along the way.

Guest:

  • Brian Finley, web and application developer, University of Iowa and creator of the Iowa Vaccine Alerts Twitter account
Charity Nebbe is the host of IPR's Talk of Iowa
Rick Brewer was a producer for IPR's Talk of Iowa and River to River