Joplin Health Dept. explains Missouri’s COVID vaccination plan process
Recently, the State of Missouri released detailed information focusing on the various phases of the State’s Vaccination Plan. Specific qualifications for each phase were outlined including age, at-risk medical conditions and/or employment sectors.
As citizens review this recent news, the Joplin Health Department reminds our community that they have not received any vaccine at this time, and do not have an indicated shipment date. The State expressed the limited supply of vaccine that is currently available and that additional tiers being eligible does not mean that vaccine is available. The vaccine supply dictates the availability to vaccinate.
In preparation for the community vaccine, the Health Department is working closely with their healthcare partners to establish clinics that will be utilized in providing citizens with vaccinations.
“Citizens should anticipate a community clinic to vaccinate individuals who qualify for the specific phase that is being addressed,” said Ryan Talken, Director of the Joplin Health Department. “It is important for citizens to know that appointments will be necessary to receive a vaccination. Appointments will be made according to the prioritization established by the State of Missouri. We will announce more information about vaccination clinics and how to make appointments as the vaccine becomes available.”
Healthcare providers working on the community clinics include Jasper County Health Department, Freeman Health System, Mercy Hospital Joplin, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Access Family Care, Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri, and University of Missouri Extension Jasper County.
“As we await the vaccine, the public can be reassured that area healthcare providers are working together to offer vaccination opportunities to those in the qualifying tier groups,” said Talken. “We appreciate the collaboration of these providers as our collective goal is to care for our citizens.”
He encouraged the public to be patient. Health Departments and other community vaccinators in Missouri are following the guidelines set forth by the State of Missouri.
“Please watch for further announcements and to listen for details about the qualifying factors during each phase of the vaccination plan. This information will be shared with our local news media and posted on the City’s and Health Department’s websites and Facebook pages. Our healthcare partners will also be posting information as we are able to offer clinics.”
Currently, the limited shipments of vaccine received in Joplin have been designated for Long Term Care Facilities and patient facing health care workers as part of the 1A group and 1B group-Tier 1. Governor Parson announced that Phase 1B- Tier 2 will be activated on Monday, January 18, and noted that there are currently not enough vaccines for everyone in these tiers but are awaiting an increased vaccine supply.
More information on these groups can be found at these hyperlinks Vaccine Distribution Order.pdf, Phase 1B White Sheet.pdf
For more information about the State of Missouri Covid-19 vaccination plan, go to MoStopsCovid.com . To view City of Joplin’s website: www.joplinmo.org
City’s Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/joplincity