JEFFERSON CITY – A local pharmacy owner is frustrated with the “lack of information” being given to pharmacies about the vaccine.
“We’re not getting any information. We have pharmacies across the country in Missouri, independent pharmacies ready to give the vaccine,” said Anthony DeShay, owner of Flow’s Pharmacy.
He wants people to know that his pharmacy isn’t turning people away because they don’t want to give the vaccine, but because they just don’t have it.
“I think it’s got to the point where people think we’re in fact, you know, sending them away because we think they don’t fit or they qualify, or because they don’t fill out our pharmacy. Just don’t have it,” said DeShay.
He’s been trying to get in touch with someone higher up to find out.
‘I tried emailing and calling. I’ve been trying to get to the top. I tried to email Parsons about it. Nothing, ”said DeShay.
On Thursday afternoon, the governor’s office released information on phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccination plan.
Dr. Randall Williams, Missouri Department of Health Director and Senior Services Director, also issued a statewide health order on Thursday regarding the vaccination of individuals in Stage 1A, Stage 1B – Level 1, and Stage 1B – Level 2.
The order indicates who can be vaccinated at which stage and who administers the vaccines.
Order for the distribution of vaccines
The office said at least 27% of Phase 1A received the first dose of the vaccine. More than 160,000 individuals have received the starting dose and more than 22,000 have been fully vaccinated with the two-dose series.
Phase 1B – Level 1, including first responders, emergency services / management and people in the public health infrastructure, was activated on Thursday, January 14
Phase 1B – Level 1
First responders include all federal, state and / or local emergency responders outside of the EMS / EMTs in Stage 1A, including law enforcement, fire, corrections, and some social services.
Emergency services / management includes federal, state or local government employees in emergency and public works management, including city police departments and fire stations and sheriffs’ offices.
Columbia Assistant Fire Chief Brad Fraizer said his department had already started getting the vaccine last Friday. He said he is happy that first responders are prioritized and said it will bring safety to the community.
“We believe it is a good thing to have firefighters in the communities that are being vaccinated,” Fraizer said. “So we’re looking forward to it. We don’t just think about the level of protection for firefighters, but also about the citizens we come into contact with.”
It also includes private sector resources such as private security organizations and private health workers, and non-profit organizations designated as voluntary partner organizations.
The public health infrastructure includes administrators and personnel from federal, state, or local public health agencies and other health professionals who “perform functions necessary for the operation of Missouri health infrastructures that were not included in Phase 1A.”
Phase 1B – Level 2
Phase 1B – Level 2 will be activated on January 18. This level includes high-risk individuals and anyone over the age of 65.
High-risk individuals include all adults with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart disease, weakened immune system, severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, type 2 diabetes, and / or individuals with intellectual disabilities and / or developmental disabilities.
Phase 1B – Level 3
There is currently no start date for phase 1B – level 3.
The level includes educators K-12, childcare providers, the communications sector, the dams sector, energy sector, initial food / agriculture sector, government, information technology sector, nuclear reactors / materials / waste sector, transportation sector and waste / waste water systems sector.
The initial food and agriculture sector includes employees of certain food production and processing facilities and related activities, which “give priority to mass production, distribution, transportation, and wholesale and retail, including groceries and convenience stores selling groceries.”
The office stressed that anyone eligible for Stage 1A is still eligible for the vaccine.
Where to get a vaccine if you fall into these levels
The governor’s office says that everyone in Stage 1B and Stage 1B – Level 1 must work through their employer and / or association to access the vaccine.
Those in Phase 1B – Level 2 should contact their local pharmacy or health care provider, or visit MOStopsCOVID.com to find out when vaccines may be available and how to get them.
A list of vaccinators and regional vaccine implementation teams will be made available here Jan. 15.
Employers and associations are encouraged to use the list to contact a vaccinator or a regional vaccine implementation team in their area and make a plan for vaccinating their teams.
For more information on specific sectors in Phase 1B, click here.