An update on the COVID-19 rollout in KS and MO
Vaccines are the most powerful tool we have to stop the spread of COVID-19. There are now authorized and recommended vaccines to prevent serious illness from the virus.
These vaccines have been issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have gone through rigorous testing and safety assessments with trials that included thousands of participants across diverse populations varying in age, sex, race, and ethnicity.
While these vaccines hold so much hope, there is vaccine hesitancy among populations of color. State data shows that Black and Hispanic Americans are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations at dramatically lower rates than White Americans. Meanwhile, according to the CDC, Black and Hispanic populations experience at least a 1.9 higher death rate as compared to White populations.
At Blue KC, we’re working to prevent the racial disparities when it comes to saying yes to the COVID-19 vaccine. And we’ve got a legend in our corner – someone who shares our belief that as vaccinations continue to roll out, there must be fair and equitable practices toward communities of color.
Bobby Bell gets a shot in the arm
To support this effort, Blue KC has partnered with Kansas City Chiefs legend and Hall of Famer Bobby Bell. By getting a vaccine, Bell did his part to protect our community against the spread of COVID-19. Now, he’s inviting fellow Kansas Citians to do the same. Because when enough people are vaccinated, we’ll achieve herd immunity.
Click here to watch Bell’s compelling message.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine
Wondering when you can get your vaccine?
Go here for vaccine availability and eligibility across many distribution channels in the Kansas City metro area, including websites for pharmacies and your respective county/health department.
Other State Health Department Information:
To find other state health department websites, go here.
Get your vaccine news from trusted sources
For all-things-COVID, the expertise of the CDC is second to none. For updates on authorized and recommended vaccines, always turn here first.
Here at home, Blue KC is continually monitoring developments of the COVID-19 vaccine and what they mean for our members and the community. For the latest updates on COVID-19 from Blue KC, please visit our website.
We are also proud to introduce the COVID-19 Vaccine S.A.F.E. Series – a series of five, factual, education interviews that show how and why the COVID-19 vaccine is not only Safe, but also Simple, Accessible, Free and Easy.