Covid-19 vaccination enters Phase 1B: for emergency workers, seniors, at-risk populations
Photo from a video by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Those who work to keep our communities safe are next up for Covid-19 vaccinations in Missouri. And anyone over 65 or who is at risk because of other illnesses or conditions will be able to seek their first shots next week.
More vaccines are coming available, Gov. Mike Parson announced today (Jan. 14). So the state is ready to move on to Phase 1B, tiers one and two.
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“Beginning the activation of Phase 1B is all about saving lives and protecting those most vulnerable to exposure and illness from this virus,” Parson said.
Jackson County’s and Kansas City’s health departments have set up online surveys that allow people to essentially get in line as vaccines become available for more people.
The vaccines become available to people according to the phased distribution plan that is outlined on the state’s Covid-19 information page, Stronger Together.
The state has been in Phase 1A, prioritizing healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, vaccination staff, school nurses, dental office staff, mental health providers, EMT paramedics and others who are “saving lives and reducing hospitalization.”
The state has now opened up vaccination for Phase 1B, Tier One, and it will open up Phase 1B Tier Two beginning Monday (Jan. 18)
Phase 1B Tier One includes: Public health administrators and staff, law enforcement, fire services, corrections facilities, emergency management, public works and other services essential to safety and or that provide help in an emergency.
Phase 1B, Tier Two includes: Anyone aged 65 and older; any adults with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart conditions, weakened immune systems due to organ transplant, severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus or individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
“We are looking forward to increased vaccine supply in the coming weeks as supply is the leading factor that dictates our movement through our plan,” Parson said. “The more supply we receive, the quicker we can reach our goal of making vaccines available to every Missourians who wants one.”
The next populations to have access to vaccinations — at a date still to be determined — will be Phase 1B, Tier Three, which includes teachers, childcare workers, food and agriculture workers, information technology workers and others “who keep the essential functions of society running.”
Phase 2 will open up vaccination opportunities for populations disproportionately affected by Covid-19, homeless residents and people involved in critical commercial and manufacturing or other work in “accelerating economic recovery.”