Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are headed to Winneshiek County. No, they won't be available yet for the general public

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed nationwide this week.  Winneshiek County Public Health Director Krista Vanden Brink says the Pfizer vaccine requires ultra-cold storage, and Winneshiek County does not have such facilities.  However, the Moderna vaccine will be voted on by the Food & Drug Administration on Thursday and is likely to win approval.  Winneshiek County would receive the Moderna vaccine and would probably begin vaccinations before the end of the month.

However, Vanden Brink says the first vaccines are intended for health care workers and elderly residents of long-term care facilities.  "It's going to be several months" before the general public will be able to get a vaccine shot, she says.