93.3 KWTO Keeping Watch Over the Ozarks
Governor Mike Parson announced that Phase 1B – Tier 1 of Missouri’s state vaccination plan was activated Thursday.
The Governor announced that federal partners are going to “significantly” increase vaccine supplies over the next week. Residents 65 years old and older or those with underlying health conditions will be made a priority as the program expands across the state.
“Beginning the activation of Phase 1B is all about saving lives and protecting those most vulnerable to exposure and illness from this virus,” Governor Parson said in a statement. “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. The more supply we receive, the quicker we can reach our goal of making vaccines available to every Missourians who wants one.”
The state also announced the launch date of Phase 1B – Tier 2 will be activated next week.
Tier 1 focuses on law enforcement, firefighters, and public health professionals.
Tier 2 focuses on those with increased risk for COVID-19: individuals aged 65 and older and any adult with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, heart conditions, a weakened immune system due to organ transplant, severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams said that residents who want to know when the vaccine might be available can visit MOStopsCovid.com.
“We know one of the most common questions among Missourians right now is when it will be their turn to be vaccinated, and we are greatly encouraged by the interest in the vaccines from the public,” Dr. Williams said in a statement. “Each day, our team is monitoring the amount of vaccine available and making sure it is distributed so that people can receive the vaccine as quickly as possible. We are so thankful to our hundreds of clinical partners throughout the state who are making that happen.”