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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – Governor Mike Parson on Thursday announced the activation of Phase 1B – Level 1 of Missouri’s COVID-19 vaccination plan.
Federal partners have informed the state that they plan to significantly increase vaccine supply next week. People 65 years of age and older and those with underlying health conditions will be a priority. This news allows the State to begin the process of activating the levels of phase 1B.
“Starting phase 1B activation is all about saving lives and protecting those most vulnerable to exposure and disease from this virus,” Governor Parson said. “We look forward to an increase in vaccine supply in the coming weeks as supply is the main factor driving our progress in our plan. The more supplies we receive, the faster we can achieve our goal of making vaccines available to all Missourians who want one.
The activation of Phase 1B – Level 1 reflects the guidance the state has received from federal partners as well as information gathered from stakeholders across the state. Phase 1B – level 1 is activated today and phase 1B – level 2 will start on Monday January 18th.
Level 1 of Phase 1B focuses on protecting those who keep Missourians safe, including law enforcement, firefighters, and public health professionals, among others.
Level 2 of Phase 1B focuses on protecting people who are at increased risk for serious disease, including those 65 years of age and older and any adults with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, or disorders intellectual and / or developmental such as Down syndrome, heart problems, a weakened immune system due to an organ transplant, severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease or diabetes type 2 sweet.
“We recognize and appreciate that there are a variety of people on the front lines who are at greater risk of exposure every day they go to work,” Governor Parson said. “We are grateful for the tireless and selfless efforts of our health care providers and first responders who risk their own safety to protect the health and well-being of Missourians.”
Missouri Department of Health and Aging Services (DHSS) Director Dr Randall Williams today released a statewide health order regarding immunization of people in Phase 1A, phase 1B – level 1 and phase 1B – level 2. The order indicates who can be vaccinated under the phases determined by the state and applies to those who administer the federally funded COVID-19 vaccines. To view the order, please see the attachment.
Although the initial levels of Phase 1B are activated today and Monday, there is currently not enough vaccine for everyone included in these groups. As more supplies arrive, this activation will allow the greatest immunization coverage where it is needed most. It will also allow vaccinators and organizations to continue to effectively plan for future levels and phases.
People in Phase 1A and Phase 1B – Level 1 must work through their employer and / or association to access the vaccine. People in phase 1B – level 2 should contact their pharmacy or local health care provider or visit MOStopsCovid.com to find out when vaccines may be available and how to receive them.
A list of vaccinators and regional vaccine implementation teams will be available at www.MOstopsCovid.com on January 15. DHSS encourages employers and associations representing people in the activated phase to use the list to connect with a vaccinator or regional vaccine implementation team in their region. and make a plan to vaccinate their teams.
“We know that one of the most common questions among Missourians these days is when it is their turn to get vaccinated, and we are very encouraged by the public interest in vaccines.” Dr Williams. “Every day our team monitors how much vaccine is available and makes sure it’s distributed so people can get the vaccine as quickly as possible. We are so grateful to our hundreds of clinical partners statewide who are making this happen.
Based on provider reports, at least 27% of phase 1A received the first dose of the vaccine. This includes residents and staff of long-term care facilities and healthcare workers, including dentists, EMS, school nurses, and those who work in hospitals or clinics, among others. These people will continue to be vaccinated.
Missourians began receiving the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines last month. Over 160,000 people have received an initial dose and over 22,000 have now been fully immunized with the 2-dose series. The vaccine supply continues to be the factor limiting the rate of vaccine delivery throughout the state. State vaccine allocations are determined by Operation Warp Speed.
Additional details on phases and levels beyond Phase 1B – Level 2 are available at www.MOStopsCovid.com. Public announcements will be made as subsequent phases of the state’s immunization plan are activated.
A white sheet summarizing the levels of phase 1B is attached. More information on COVID-19 vaccines and the Missouri vaccination plan can be found at www.MOstopsCovid.com.
To report a correction or typo, please send an email [email protected]
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