JOHNSON COUNTY ━ The Department of Health and Senior Services has released a COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Order approving local agencies to move into Phase 1-B vaccination.
This order provides Johnson County Community Health Services the opportunity to continue vaccinating individuals in Phase 1-A. In addition, JCCHS is planning the first round of large vaccination clinics to include vaccinating individuals whose status or condition includes them in Phase 1B - Tiers 1 and 2.
JCCHS states that due to the fast paced schedule provided by the state, the first vaccination clinic has not been finalized. However, it is anticipated to be scheduled for the week of Jan. 18. Once the plans are final, individuals will be able to register for a time, date and location.
Vaccines are in limited supply, so pre-registration is strongly encouraged by JCCHS. More information on how to register will be made available as plans are finalized.
Registration updates will be available at johnsoncountyhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine-in-johnson-county/.
Vaccines are available for Johnson County, Missouri residents only.
DHSS has redefined Phase 1-B to include multiple tiers.
Phase 1B - Tier 1: first responders, emergency services and public health infrastructure
Non-Patient Facing Public Health Infrastructure includes administrators and staff at federal, state or local public health agencies and other healthcare workers who carry out functions necessary to the operation of the state’s healthcare infrastructure that were not included in 1A.
First responders include all federal, state and/or local first responders beyond EMS/EMTs in 1A, including law enforcement, fire services, corrections and certain social service agencies.
Emergency management and public works includes federal, state or local government employees in emergency management and public works agencies, identified nonprofit organizations designated as partner voluntary agencies.
Emergency services sector includes employees defined in the emergency services sector not otherwise listed, including law enforcement, fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, emergency management and public works.
Phase 1B - Tier 2: high-risk individuals
This tier includes those who are at increased risk for severe illness such as: anyone aged 65 and older and adults with the following conditions: cancer; chronic kidney disease; COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as down syndrome; heart conditions such as heart failure, CAD (coronary artery disease) or cardiomyopathies; immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant; severe obesity (BMI >40kg/m2); pregnancy; sickle cell disease; and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The schedule for the remaining tiers and phases will be released by the State of Missouri and has yet to be determined.
JCCHS reminds individuals to continue following safety precautions as it continues to see positive COVID-19 cases in Johnson County and beyond. These include the 3 Ws: watch your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands.
