Cole County health leaders learning more about COVID-19 vaccine, focused on long term care and healthcare workers first

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

As approval of the COVID-19 vaccines comes closer, Cole County health leaders are learning more about their role in the distribution.

The communicable disease coordinator for the Cole County Health Department Chezney Schulte said once the vaccine makes it to the area, health care providers and long-term care facilities will be the focus.

She said during this first phase, the health department won't play a huge role. The health care agencies will distribute the vaccine to its workers, and the long term care facilities are partnering with CVS and Walgreens for distribution.

For health care workers, Schulte said the first to get it will be both in and outpatient personnel that deals with patients. She expects individuals in roles like hers as a nurse at a clinic will be a part of the second phase, which includes essential workers and high-risk members of the community.

"That might rely on the local public health agencies more for the administration and distribution of that vaccine," Schulte said.

The FDA is set to vote on emergency approval of the Pfizer Vaccine on Thursday, and Schulte said they will likely learn a lot more about the timeline after that.

She didn't have an exact date for when the first vaccine will be given in Cole County but said officials are expecting a quick turn around.

Cole County has seen 235 cases of COVID-19 and 38 deaths in long-term care facility residents.

Schulte said these facilities are some of the most at-risk areas because the population is older and social distancing can be more difficult. She's hopeful that having staff and residents first in line for the vaccine will stop the spread.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for the long term care facilities and their staff member to just add one more layer of protection against those individuals," Schulte said.

A spokesman for StoneBridge Adams Street, StoneBridge Oak Tree and StoneBridge Villa Marie in Jefferson City said they expect the vaccine at the end of December.

"All residents and staff will first be provided information about the vaccine, and those wishing to be vaccinated will then be required to sign a consent form. We will encourage all residents and staff to be vaccinated, and we will respect those who may decline out of caution over side effects and other health concerns.  Everyone will be able to make an informed decision.”

Craig Workman, on behalf of StoneBridge Adams Street, StoneBridge Oak Tree and StoneBridge Villa Marie

Ben Scheulen the Chief Executive Officer of JMS Senior Living said Jefferson City Manor is while they are optimistic about the arrival of the vaccine, it will take a while to administer

We know this has been a very difficult time for our residents, their families and our staff, but we appreciate their resilience and ask that they remain patient.  We look forward to eventually reopening our buildings to families and providing a happy, healthy safe environment for the elderly.”

Ben Scheulen, Jefferson City Manor

Along with protection from the virus, the vaccine come could also help ease some mental health issues caused by the fear and anxiety around COVID-19.

The President of the Missouri Coalition for Community Behavioral Healthcare Brent McGinty said the isolation of individuals in long-term care facilities and the long hours for health care workers is taking a toll on mental health across the country.

"It's hard to imagine some of the things people are going through," McGinty said.

He said this is a time to find a little hope for families and long term care facilities residents.

"It's going to be just a game-changer to get the vaccine delivered and get those families where they can slowly overtime start reconnecting in person," McGinty said.

Schulte said while this provides hope for the community, it will still be a while before it is available for the general public.

"This is still going to be many months down the road till it's available to all of us, so still keeping up with all of your preventative practices," Schulte said. "And even after you get the vaccine probably still keeping up with those preventative practices because it's one more added layer of protection."

Watch ABC17 News at 9 and 10 for a full report.