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TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Governor Laura Kelly said on Wednesday that the state expects to receive its first delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine in a few weeks.
She said the vaccine will be distributed in three phases and that her plan is in line with CDC recommendations.
According to Kelly, Kansas is expected to receive 24,000 doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December and about 49,000 more from Moderna soon after.
In total, the state expects to receive 150,000 doses by the end of December, with more to come each week thereafter.
Kelly said phase one will include high-risk healthcare workers and nursing home residents. Phase two will involve all people 65 years of age and over at low risk. Phase three includes anyone who is not at high risk under the age of 65.
“We have established our framework to prioritize the delivery of vaccines to those who are on the front lines of our response to the pandemic or to those who are disproportionately affected by the virus,” Kelly continued, saying, “With this timeline, we intend to protect as many Kansans as possible, promote economic recovery. and get our children back to our school buildings as quickly and safely as possible.
She also said more than 200 providers have already signed up to help distribute a COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available.
Kelly adds that the vaccine will be free, although providers may charge for its administration. However, no one will be refused for inability to pay.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr Lee Norman said a Pfizer study found 30% of people are reluctant to receive a vaccine.
He said: “We expect some people to be reluctant to get vaccinated about all the vaccines on the planet and we probably won’t do much to influence them unless they see persistent problems with it. COVID-19 around them, which they will obviously do. ”
Kelly says the state has enough funds to help distribute vaccines and staff until the end of the month, when funding for the CARES Act ends. She calls on Washington DC to help the state move forward until 2021.
“It is imperative that people back in Washington and in Congress come together and pass another stimulus package and make sure states can recruit staff and get people vaccinated when needed among a variety of other things. which they need to make sure states have, ”she said.
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