JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri (KY3) – Governor Mike Parson announced the activation of Missouri’s Phase 1B – Level 1 COVID-19 Vaccination Plan on Thursday.
Federal partners have informed the state that they plan to significantly increase vaccine supplies next week. Individuals aged 65 and over and those with underlying health problems will be a priority. This news allows the state to begin the process of activating the Phase 1B layers.
“Starting Phase 1B activation is all about saving lives and protecting those most vulnerable to exposure and diseases from this virus”, Governor Parson said. “We are looking forward to increasing the supply of vaccines in the coming weeks, as supply is the main factor that determines our movement through our plan. The more supplies we receive, the faster we can achieve our goal of making vaccines available to all Missouri residents who want one. “
The activation of Phase 1B – Level 1 reflects the guidance the state has received from federal partners, as well as information collected from stakeholders across the state. Phase 1B – Level 1 is activated today, and Phase 1B – Level 2 will start on Monday, January 18th.
Phase 1B Level 1 focuses on protecting those who keep Missouri residents safe, such as first responders, emergency management and public works, people working in emergency services and those within the public health infrastructure. Any Phase 1A vaccine that has an available vaccine supply can start vaccinating those in Phase 1B-Level 1 today. State leaders say that although the next phase has been activated, those who fall into Phase 1A and have not yet been vaccinated, still can.
“It is necessary to understand that the demand is much greater than the supply and the supply is unknown because it comes from the federal level,” said Governor Parson. “The only thing I want to guarantee to all Missouri residents is that there is a plan in place. We are executing this plan and, as soon as the vaccine arrives, we will distribute it to health services throughout the state of Missouri. “
Phase 1B Level 2 focuses on protecting those who are most at risk of serious illness, including individuals aged 65 and over and any adult with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD or intellectual and / or developmental disabilities, such as Down, heart problems, a weakened immune system due to organ transplantation, severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
“We recognize and appreciate that there are a variety of individuals on the front lines who are at increased risk of exposure every day they go to work,” Governor Parson said. “We are grateful for the tireless and selfless efforts of our healthcare professionals and first responders who risk their own safety to protect the health and well-being of Missouri residents.”
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams issued a statewide health order on vaccinating individuals in Phase 1A, Phase 1B – Level 1 and Phase 1B – Level 2. The order describes who can be vaccinated as part of the state-determined phases and applies to those who administer federally funded COVID-19 vaccines.
Although the early layers of Phase 1B are being activated today and Monday, there are currently not enough vaccines for everyone included in these groups. As additional supplies arrive, this activation will allow for greater vaccine coverage where it is most needed. This will also allow vaccinators and organizations to continue to plan effectively for future phases and levels.
“Whatever capacity I need as a governor to ensure that we put this vaccine in people’s arms in the fastest and safest way, we will do that,” said Governor Parson. “Whatever ways I have to help with this process.”
Individuals in Phase 1A and Phase 1B – Level 1 must work through their employer and / or association to gain access to the vaccine. Individuals in Phase 1B – Level 2 should contact their local pharmacy or healthcare provider or visit MOStopsCovid.com to find out when vaccines may be available and how to receive them.
State leaders say they are asking people to do their part and identify their eligibility within a level. If people are signing up directly with a provider or pharmacy, they don’t need to fill out a screening form on the state’s website unless they are directed to.
For Phase 1B-Level 1, state leaders say the plan is for the vaccine to reach them. Employers must initiate contracts with an approved vaccinator and schedule vaccinations with employees.
For Phase 1B – Level 2, state leaders say the plan is for the individual to start by making an appointment with a provider, pharmacy or contacting the local health agency. The provider must then screen and vaccinate individuals within this phase.
There may also be opportunities for community vaccination events for Phase 1B levels 1 and 2. State leaders say this would be similar to community testing events that have been held across the state.
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 individuals in activated phases to use the list to connect with a vaccinator or regional vaccine implementation team in their area and draw up a vaccination plan for their teams.
“We know that one of the most common questions among Missouri residents now is when it will be their turn to be vaccinated, and we are very encouraged by the public’s interest in vaccines,” Dr. Williams. “Each day, our team monitors the amount of vaccine available and ensures that it is distributed so that people can receive it as quickly as possible. We are very grateful to our hundreds of clinical partners across the state who are making this happen. “
Based on reports from providers, at least 27 percent of Phase 1A received the first dose of the vaccine. This includes residents and employees of long-term care facilities and health professionals, including dentists, EMS, school nurses and those who work in hospitals or clinics, among others. These individuals will continue to be vaccinated.
Missouri residents began receiving their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines last month. More than 160,000 individuals received the initial dose and more than 22,000 have already been fully vaccinated with the 2-dose series. Vaccine delivery remains the limiting factor in the rate of vaccine administration across the state. State vaccine allocations are determined by the Operation Warp Speed.
Additional details on phases and levels beyond Phase 1B – Level 2 can be found at www.MOStopsCovid.com. Public announcements will be made as the later stages of the state’s vaccination plan are activated.
A white sheet summarizing the Phase 1B layers is attached. More information about COVID-19 vaccines and the Missouri vaccination plan can be found at www.MOstopsCovid.com.
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