Phase 2 businesses looking forward to becoming eligible for vaccines

COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ)

Phase 2 of the state's vaccine distribution plan activated Monday. Employees of banks, credit unions, insurance agencies, and other financial services, are just a few industries now eligible to receive a vaccine.

Local businesses like Central Bank are one of the many assisting employees in getting access to the vaccine. Mary Wilkerson, the vice president of marketing for Central Bank of Boone, says many of their employees have been vaccinated as apart of previous tiers, but it's looking forward to all employees now becoming eligible.

“We obviously are very excited to now be eligible and so we have encouraged our employees all along to get into databases and if opportunities come up to go ahead and get vaccinated,", said Wilkerson.

Some businesses in Missouri have been able to set up a vaccination clinic specifically for their staff members. Wilkerson says the company hasn't had the opportunity for a clinic but plans to get staff signed up if it becomes available.

“When we do know about group opportunities we will arrange for our folks to go as groups it’s considered paid time off so we go ahead and pay them to go and get their vaccination. So we’re doing everything we can to get people to the vaccination sites,", says Wilkerson.

Sara Humm with Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services says the department is looking to make the vaccine more accessible to those who may have challenges getting to clinics. As some face challenges with transportation and scheduling, the department is working with local partners on how to ensure people can get access.

"Trying to figure out how we can work together with our community partners and other vaccinators to make that as accessible as possible because we want to make sure that vaccine is easy for folks to get and try to break down as many of those barriers as we possible can,", says Humm.

Humm says employers and businesses can continue to check in with local vaccinators on how to get their employees signed up for appointments.

Humm encourages continuing to check the health department's website and social media for vaccine availability and appointments.