Football star Dallas Clark, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg get COVID-19 vaccine

 

Fewer Iowa men than women getting vaccine

By Zach James - Sioux City Journal Apr. 23, 2021 6:10 pm, Updated: Apr. 23, 2021 6:31 pm

Former University of Iowa and NFL football star Dallas Clark receives his second COVID-19 vaccination shot Friday at the Siouxland Expo Center in Sioux City. Iowa Lt. Gov Adam Gregg also received a shot at the event. (Zach James/Sioux City Journal)

 

SIOUX CITY — Because Iowa men are falling behind in getting COVID-19 vaccinations, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and former Hawkeye and NFL tight end Dallas Clark stepped up Friday and got their shots at the Siouxland Expo Center.

According to Gregg, 2.1 million doses of the vaccine have been distributed among Iowans, but the split isn’t even between men and women.

According to Gregg, 56 percent of those doses have gone to women, 44 percent to men.

Recent polling has shown one-third of men do not plan to get the vaccine, and 40 percent of rural residents aren’t planning on being vaccinated, according to Gregg.

“We’re concerned that disparity is going to grow,” Gregg said. “Guys, why are we falling short?

“We’re here to persuade you that it’s the right thing to do for you, your family and your community. By getting the vaccine, you’re protecting your loved ones.”

Gregg, Clark and prominent members of the Sioux City sports scene gathered to help promote the state’s message.

“The only thing that makes sense is getting the vaccine,” said Clark, who played 143 games in the National Football League. “I want to encourage people to get vaccinated.

“I fall into that category of younger 40s age, and thinking, ‘Oh, I don’t need to worry about getting vaccinate, because it’s not going to be available. It’s going to be a while until I make that decision.’ Now, it’s our choice, and we have to do our part.

“I think you have to put away the politics, this or that or whatever reason you’re not getting it,” Clark added. “I really hope you reflect and change that mind and become more proactive.“

Clark received his second COVID-19 shot, which he’d originally planned to get Thursday in Humboldt.