MU Health Care vaccinates first employees

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

University of Missouri Health Care announced Wednesday morning it has started vaccinating employees with Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine.

The hospital is the latest to start giving the vaccine in Mid-Missouri after SSM St. Mary's in Jefferson City and the Truman VA started vaccinations Tuesday. It was FDA-approved last week.

Frontline workers will have the opportunity to sign up for a slot to receive a vaccine, according to Eric Maze with MU Health.

Maze said they plan on vaccinating roughly 440 frontline workers every day, over the next seven days.

To avoid long lines, Maze said the hospital will have nine vaccination slots every 15 minutes.

After the employees receive the first shot, they'll be given a reminder card for the second vaccine from MU Health's automated reminder system.

MU Health Care infectious disease specialist Dr. Christelle Ilboudo was the first to receive the vaccine, a release from the hospital said.

The hospital system received 3,000 doses of the vaccine Tuesday -- hospital officials say they will be given to doctors, nurses and other employees who interact directly with patients. The shipments arrived in Missouri on Monday.

In a Tweet, Columbia Mayor Brian Treece proclaimed the week ending Tuesday, Dec. 22 as healthcare worker appreciation week.

The proclamation is to recognize the dedication of all healthcare workers and the vital role they play in enhancing and saving lives every day.