MU Health Care to receive COVID-19 vaccine this week

The first COVID-19 vaccinations are set to happen this week in mid-Missouri.

Dr. Laura Morris, a family medicine physician with MU Health Care, says they will prioritize getting their staff vaccinated before distributing doses elsewhere.

“Right now, we’re anticipating that we will get a few thousand doses of the vaccine in our first shipment, and that will allow us to vaccinate our highest risk staff and patient-facing staff,” said Morris.

MU Health Care staff won’t be required to get vaccinated. Despite public scrutiny, Morris says the vaccine is safe to receive.

“I’m going to get my vaccine. I’m recommending to all of my patients when it’s available [that] they get their vaccine, and I hope that my colleagues will choose to do the same,” said Morris.

The Truman VA medical center said it will also be one of the first VA facilities to receive the vaccine. It will prioritize getting initial doses to staff, and then long-term care veterans.