CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Linn County has 800 doses of COVID-19 vaccines available for older people ahead of the state's phase-in next Monday.

The county says state guidelines allow it to offer the doses ahead of schedule to people 65 and older.

Healthcare providers are now contacting patients to set up appointments for the vaccinations, which are in short supply. The doses are only available by appointment.

The county says it made the decision to offer the vaccines immediately in agreement with the providers.

The Iowa Department of Public Health says it’s been told by the federal government that the state will see an increased supply of doses beginning next week when the next round, Phase 1B, is set to begin.

Tuesday, the Biden administration announced that it wants to secure 200 million additional doses of the vaccine by this summer. The administration also said that states would see supply increase by 16%.

Phase 1B begins with people 65 and older, but also includes a tiered schedule for populations vulnerable to high risk of exposure or illness.

Tier 1

First Responders
PK-12 staff, early childhood education, childcare workers

Tier 2

Frontline essential workers in food, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors who live or work in non-social distanced settings
Individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff

Tier 3

Staff and individuals living in congregate settings not covered by previous Phase or Tier
Government officials, including staff, engaged in business at the State Capitol

Tier 4

Inspectors responsible for health, life and safety

Tier 5

Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated