The vaccine developed by Moderna will be given to staff with highest exposure risk first

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2020
Contact:  Julie Hoffmann
563-584-4818 or 800-747-8900'

DUBUQUE, IA -- Medical Associates Clinic has received its first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine which will be given to staff with the highest COVID-19 exposure risk first. Medical Associates is following CDC and state health guidelines for prioritization of the vaccine, which mandates that healthcare workers are among the first to receive the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is not available to the general public at this time.

“We are all very excited this day has arrived. We have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, and the arrival of the vaccine gives us the powerful tool we have been waiting for to help move us closer to the end of this pandemic,” said Zach Keeling, CEO of Medical Associates Clinic and Health Plans. “I’m very proud of our team for the strength and resiliency they’ve shown over the past nine months. They are truly remarkable.”

Medical Associates received the vaccine developed by Moderna in its initial shipment and will administer them immediately. Staff will be notified when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.

“It has been less than a year since the world first learned of COVID-19 and the terrible disease it can cause. To have two safe and highly effective vaccines is truly a remarkable scientific achievement and a significant step toward ending the pandemic that has caused so much suffering,” said Hendrik Schultz, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and Board Certified in Infectious Diseases. “The end of the pandemic is in sight, but we must remain diligent with our mitigation efforts until we can get enough people vaccinated so we can achieve herd immunity.”

Details of the complex vaccination program are still being worked out. Initial supplies of the vaccine are limited and will be prioritized based on guidance from the CDC. Medical Associates is following that guidance and focusing first on vaccinating their caregivers. They are also preparing to vaccinate patients and will do so as supply and guidance allow. Patients are encouraged to check their website at www.mahealthcare.com for information regarding how to receive vaccines when they are available.

About Medical Associates
Medical Associates is the Tri-State area’s fourth-largest employer, employing nearly 1,100. Medical Associates Clinic was established in 1924 and is the oldest multispecialty group practice clinic in Iowa. With over 180 providers serving Dubuque and the Tri-State area, Medical Associates has been recognized since 1998 as a “Better Performing Practice” by the Medical Group Management Association. In 1982, Medical Associates developed the Tri-State’s first health maintenance organization, Medical Associates Health Plans, which offers comprehensive health benefits to over 400 employers and 44,000 members and is currently one of only 10 Medicare plans in the Nation to be awarded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’(CMS) highest rating of 5 Stars in 2020.

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