As vaccine distribution rolls out across KC region, local public health departments urge patience

Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is high
We know many area residents are eager to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. We applaud those who are willing to protect themselves, their families and the community. Like you, we want to see our community reopen businesses and schools, bring people back to work and allow everyone to be protected from this terrible disease.

Vaccine supply is very limited
COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in our region, but the supply remains very limited. We are working closely with state partners and with other health organizations designated as vaccinators by the states to coordinate and distribute the vaccine. We are working to ensure everyone who wants to be vaccinated is served. We thank the public for their patience while waiting their turn to receive the vaccine.

Health care workers are the first priority
The states of Kansas and Missouri are following federal recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to put in place guidance for their states. Each state has slightly different groups included in each phase of the vaccine distribution. The first phase is to ensure frontline health care workers, along with residents and staff of long-term nursing facilities, are protected first. 

As vaccine supply increases, the priority will focus on additional groups
As more vaccine doses arrive into the region, additional groups in the next phases will be fully defined and invited to participate. Many local public health departments and other state-approved vaccinators are beginning to take information for persons 65 years and older and will communicate for appointments when the supply of vaccine is sufficient. Within the metropolitan area, the local public health departments are working together and connecting with other vaccination health organizations to ensure the vaccine received from the states is rolled out as quickly as possible given the very limited supply.

What can the public do?

We encourage everyone in the metropolitan region who wants to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to:
Monitor your local public health department’s website for additional information. Some local public health departments have a survey/form you can complete to sign up for a vaccination or to receive notifications of when you’re eligible to sign up for a vaccination.

Do not arrive at vaccination sites seeking a vaccine; all vaccinations will be conducted by appointment ONLY.
Any person registered to get the vaccine must commit to the appointment to help ensure doses are not wasted.
We will share more specific directions as more vaccines become available in our area. 

Don’t let your guard down
Remember—even as vaccine is being distributed, we all need to continue to stay home when sick, wash our hands regularly, wear a mask, avoid crowds, keep 6 feet of space between ourselves and others, and get tested for COVID-19 if you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or have symptoms.

Please visit www.preparemetrokc.org for more information about COVID-19, including where you can get tested. 

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