COVID Vaccine Phase 1B Activated

Jan. 14, 2021

Dear Corrections Team:

We have just learned that Phase 1B, Tier 1, of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan was activated today, Thursday, Jan. 14. In addition, Phase 1B, Tier 2, is scheduled to be activated Monday, Jan. 18.

As we previously have announced, the vaccine will be made available to Missouri Department of Corrections staff as part of Phase 1B. All staff are included in Tier 1 of this phase.

At this time, a sufficient supply of vaccine to cover Phase 1B is not yet available in Missouri. When the vaccine becomes available, we will provide you with a list of Missouri pharmacies and health care providers where you can schedule an appointment to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Remember that two doses are required for current vaccines; please plan accordingly.

Phase 1B, Tier 2, includes all Missourians in high-risk populations, such as people age 65 or older and those with medical conditions placing them at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness. This category includes offenders in high-risk populations who are currently housed in our facilities. Other offenders will be included in a later phase of the vaccine rollout plan.

Our state prisons currently are in the process of becoming approved as vaccine providers for offenders. At this time, however, the approval process has not been completed and vaccines have not been shipped to our facilities. We will keep you posted as this process evolves.

We are grateful that our state government leaders have chosen to make your health a priority by including corrections staff in this early phase of the COVID vaccine rollout, and we’re excited to be able to provide this extra layer of protection to help safeguard your health.

We will provide you with more detailed information as soon as it becomes available.

Meanwhile, please be sure to check the state’s COVID vaccine website at covidvaccine.mo.gov. Updates are made regularly.

Thank you for all you do. Please stay safe.

Anne L. Precythe
Director