Federal and state health data show just 20 percent of Iowans have received the updated COVID-19 booster, and only 30 percent have gotten their annual flu shot.
Madison VanGundy, a county health department worker, is urging people to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays.
The Centers for Disease Control reports the rate of COVID and flu hospitalizations have been increasing statewide. VanGundy says some people aren’t getting the shots due to time constraints and the minor side effects that can come from the vaccines.
VanGundy says the number of residents in her county who are up to date on their respiratory virus shots is down significantly this year.
