Missouri House health committee holds DHSS leaders accountable on equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccine
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri House of Representatives' health committee members grilled leaders with questions about the pandemic, many focusing on the equitable distribution of the life-saving vaccine.
The Health and Mental Health Policy Committee heard an update from Dr. Randall Williams Wednesday at a hearing at 4 p.m. A similar hearing about the vaccine rollout was scheduled for last week but was rescheduled after scheduling conflicts.
After about a 30-minute presentation from Williams, other DHSS staff and a member of the governor's office, committee members were able to ask questions. The chair of the committee Rep. Mike Stephens (R - Bolivar) started the discussion by asking about the equitable distribution.
Health leaders answered by saying they are trying to get out the vaccine based on population, but are working to get the balance right.
Another concern continues to be the amount of vaccine the state is getting. The department reported to the committee it is expecting to receive 85,000 doses weekly through February.
DHSS Division of Community Health Director Adam Crumbliss reported for every dose of the vaccine the state receives, there are three requests from health agencies for it.
"We're using the data to specific targeted populations," Crumbliss said. "This is a virus that disproportionately impacts minority population across out state and our county."
Several lawmakers from both rural and urban communities told health leaders their constituents feel "left behind."
Some reported people going to other counties for the vaccine but being turned down because they are not a resident. Director of the health department Dr. Randall Williams said it is something they are taking very seriously.
"(Govenor Mike Parson) has made it very clear to us that just because its more challenging doesn't mean to not it, it mean work harder," Dr. Williams said.
An issue with rural communities is logistics of the vaccine, as the Pfizer doses must be kept ultracold, and many places do not have the ability to do that.
"Not everyone has a minus 70-degree freezer with space sitting around in their facility, not cheap or easy to get," Crumbliss said.
This hearing was informational only, so no action was taken.
Leaders mentioned there is going to be a new dashboard on the state's COVID-19 vaccination page, giving more details about the vaccine rollout. They expect that to be released next week.
