COVID-19 Vaccine Info & Visitor Policy Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Updated February 2, 2021

If you have a UnityPoint Health primary care provider and are age 65 and older, we will notify you via phone, text, direct mail and/or MyUnityPoint (our online patient portal) when you are able to schedule an appointment. If you have not been contacted yet, please do not call the clinic office as public call volume is outpacing our ability to respond to inquiries in a timely manner. 

Our team is working hard to get back to these individuals and schedule appointments for those that meet eligibility requirements outlined by public health. Our goal is to help vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work through the limited supply of vaccines available and contacting all eligible individuals.

The COVID-19 vaccine is also available at certain pharmacies for eligible patients. Click here for a list of vaccination locations in Polk County. 

Hospital Visitor Restrictions 

Updated October 14, 2020

For the safety of our patients and team members, visitors are restricted at all UnityPoint Health – Des Moines hospitals. Only approved support people and designated caregivers of hospitalized patients will be allowed access.

While meeting the needs of our patients, we remain committed to limiting the number of people inside the hospital to keep team members and patients safe. Because of this, we have a zero tolerance for those unwilling to comply with our restrictions.

Support Person Guidelines:

Hospitalized patients will be allowed to identify two individuals as their support people, but only one approved support person is allowed per day between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

Patients must identify their support people upon admission or as soon after as possible.

• Only one approved support person is allowed each day. 
• Hours are limited to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• The support person will be required to check in each day at the hospital entrance and receive a wrist band that must be worn while in the hospital.
  – If the support person leaves and returns during the day, they will be required to show the wrist band in order to return to the patient room. 
• The support person will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and must be free from any signs of illness, such as: Fever, Sore throat, Cough, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Runny nose.
• The support person must wear a mask the entire time they are in the hospital, including in the patient room. 
• The support person must remain in the patient room as appropriate. 
• Individuals under the age of 16 are not allowed to be a support person.
• Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 will not be allowed to have a support person.

Designated Caregiver Guidelines

A designated caregiver(s) will be allowed in the following circumstances: 

• A patient is imminently dying: Two caregivers will be allowed at a time; caregivers may rotate at the discretion of the clinical care team. Visitors under the age of 18 may be allowed in this case, at the discretion of the clinical care team. 
• The patient is being treated in an Emergency Department, Outpatient Areas, Clinics and/or Surgery: One designated caregiver is allowed.  
• The patient is a minor under the age of 18 years: Up to two parents /designated caregivers/guardian at a time will be allowed in the patient's room to support the care of the patient. 
• The patient is suffering from confusion or delirium: One designated caregiver will be allowed in the patient's room to support the care of the patient. 
• In Maternity Services (Labor & Delivery, Postpartum): One designated caregiver/support person and one Doula /outside birth coach will be allowed in the patient's room to support the care of the patient.

Designated caregivers: 

• Siblings under the age of 16 are not allowed. 
• Must always remain in patient room as appropriate. 
• Free from illness such as (fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting or runny nose). 
• Limit movement within the facility and avoid common areas (cafeterias will not be open to the public).

We understand these restrictions may be difficult for you. While we are committed to providing a family-centered care environment, right now restricting visitors is in the best interest of our patients and team members.

Reminder, anyone entering the hospital will be required to wear a mask, per the universal UnityPoint Health masking policy.

Please be kind to our team members if they remind you of our policy. We want to keep everyone safe.

Hospital Entrances

** The only entrances open are the Main Entrance (Door 2), John Stoddard Cancer Center Entrance (Door 4), Atrium (Door 5) and Powell (Door 6). The Emergency Room entrance (Door 1) is also open for patients needing emergency care and as an after hours entrance. 

Virtual Care Options

UnityPoint Health also offers Virtual Care, a convenient option when and where you need it, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. See a doctor anytime, anywhere via secure online video.