Distributing the Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed in phases. At first, because of the limited number of doses available, government agencies are distributing the vaccine to priority groups. The goal is to decrease death and disease as much as possible.
Missouri is distributing the vaccine in three phases. In Phase 1, which has two parts (1A and 1B), vaccination started with healthcare workers and those Missourians who are most vulnerable to the virus. Missouri is now also vaccinating members in Phase 1B, Tier 3, which includes those who work in essential industries like education and the energy sector.
In Phase 2, vaccination efforts will focus on economic recovery and populations who that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
In Phase 3, the vaccine will be available to all Missourians. It is important to know that this may not happen for many months. Being patient, continuing safety steps like mask wearing, physical distancing and hand washing will continue to be crucial to protect your health and the health of others.
This plan may continue to change as the availability of the vaccine changes.