1,300 JBS workers receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine from local pharmacy

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - On Friday, JBS workers in Ottumwa had the chance to receive the one-shot, Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Wells Hometown Drug, a Bloomfield pharmacy, partnered with Wapello County Public Health and and JBS to vaccinate 1,300 JBS workers. A mobile vaccination clinic was set up inside the meatpacking plant. Local government officials like Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Cherielynn Westrich were both in attendance to witness employee vaccinations at one of the area’s largest employers.

“With JBS being one of the largest employers in southeast Iowa, we thought this was a great step in vaccinating more of the community and helping keep the food supply safe,” Wells said.

COVID-19 data from the state coronavirus website shows almost 2,500 completed vaccinations in Wapello County, with an additional 3,200 people receiving at least their first dose.