SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Two approved COVID-19 vaccines and 3 others in the works means we could have a handle on the pandemic sooner rather than later.
As the first phase of doses are being administered to front line workers and long-term care facilities many others in the Ozarks are wondering when it will be their turn to get vaccinated.
“It’s an emotional thing when you start to think about the tool that we have with this vaccine being available to our community,” said Assistant Director, Springfield-Greene County Health Department.
Local health officials say they are optimistic now that a vaccine is starting to circulate. However, with limited available doses, it’s unclear how quickly they will be distributed.
“I think the focus right now is to truly make sure that those folks who are taking care of the most vulnerable people in our community are protected so that they can continue to help us navigate,” said Towns.
Very little guidance is available right now.
“As far as the state goes, I think they’re even learning information on a daily basis as well. It just takes a lot of patience. I know it’s not something that’s easy to withstand especially when we’ve been trying to be patient for a very long time,” she explained.
Hospital officials in Springfield confirm they are on standby too.
Executive Director of Mercy Hospitals Pharmacy, David Wolfrath, says, “We have not received a directive to expand the vaccinations to other non-healthcare citizens in the community. But Mercy will absolutely work with the state and local health officials to build a rapid deployment plan as soon as the vaccine is available to this next phase of essential personnel.”
CoxHealth released a similar statement that says:
CoxHealth is eagerly anticipating the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the region. Since this is a state and federal program, however, our knowledge is limited on the plan at this time. Like many others, we are looking forward to learning more about the timeline and structure of how these vaccinations will be given. We are hoping the state will reveal the plan as we are anxiously waiting to play a role to hlep our patients and community.”
Towns said, “People should use this time to really research and make sure that they understand that these are safe and effective processes. There have been many, many medical professionals and researchers involved all the way through.”
Health officials say this will help us to better prepare for our turn to be vaccinated.
“We believe that this is a safe and effective tool that we all can use to make sure we can protect our families and help ourselves return to some normalcy that we all long for,” she said.
Wednesday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson will be giving an update on vaccine distribution and the health care system capacity.
Local health officials say they are hoping to get more information and questions answered then.
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