Masking Guidelines and COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Masking Guidelines

According to the CDC, people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can resume most activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing. While this is reason to celebrate, we still require masks in all UnityPoint Health - Des Moines facilities where patient care is provided, including hospitals and clinics. We encourage everyone 12 and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Updated April 5, 2021

If you have a UnityPoint Health primary care provider and would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please contact your primary care provider via phone or MyUnityPoint (our online patient portal) to schedule an appointment. 

Our team is working hard to get patients scheduled as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work through the limited supply of vaccines available.

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

In the meantime, we encourage everyone, including those who have received the vaccine, to wear a face covering, social distance and wash your hands frequently in order to stop the spread  of COVID-19.

Hospital Visitor Restrictions 

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.

Visitor Policy Update

Effective May 18, 2021

Hospitalized patients will be allowed to have two visitors with them at a time, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. These visitors will be able to rotate with other visitors during the day and throughout the patients stay.

• Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Exclusion: visitors with pre-procedure patients can arrive with the patient at their arrival time.
• Each patient is allowed two visitors at a time.
• Visitors must be at least 16 years old unless authorized by unit manager.
• Visitors will be required to check in at the hospital entrance and receive a "visitor" sticker or wrist band that must be worn while in the hospital. Visitors are asked to check out when they leave.
• Visitors must wear a mask the entire time they are in the hospital, including in the patient room. They must practice hand hygiene and social distancing, and stay home if they do not feel well.
• A visitor is different than the designated caregiver, who can be with the patient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is necessary to the patient's care. Examples of this would be parents/guardians of a minor or someone that is able to advocate care needs of a dementia patient.
• Visitors and designated caregivers are allowed to go to the cafeteria unless visiting a patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

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 16 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 unit.
• May go to the cafeteria unless the patient is isolated due to suspected or confirmed COVID-19. 

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.

Hospital Entrances

** The only entrances open are the Main Entrance (Door 2), Atrium (Door 5) and Powell (Door 6). The Emergency Room entrance 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.