33K vaccine doses set to expire in Iowa this month

Around 33,000 Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine doses will expire in Iowa this month, state health officials told Axios Wednesday.

Why it matters: Less than half of the state is vaccinated. It would be unsettling waste if they go unused.

By the numbers: COVID vaccine demand has plummeted in recent weeks.

• Nearly 51,500 doses were given April 8, the peak of statewide vaccination, according to IDPH data.
• Fewer than 3,500 were administered in recent days, a more than 90% drop.

Details: J&J is a one-dose vaccine and can be stored at normal refrigeration temps for up to three months.

• Pfizer and Moderna's two-dose vaccines have colder storage requirements, but can be stored twice as long.

The big picture: More than 10.1 million doses of J&J have been delivered nationally but not administered, according to CDC data.

• Multiple states are sounding alarm that they will expire: Ohio has 200K doses in danger; Arkansas has 60K.

What they're saying: Iowa announced a new vaccine awareness campaign this week and is advocating for the use of the soon-to-expire doses.

• "Throughout the COVID-19 vaccine campaign, IDPH has provided consultation and education to ensure the use of every available dose," IDPH spokesperson Sarah Ekstrand told Axios.