Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said Monday the state will combine the next two phases of the COVID-19 vaccination plan, and it will begin Monday, March 22nd.
The state will combine Phases 3 and 4 and with that move, people between the ages of 16 and 64 with a preexisting medical condition will be eligible for the vaccine. Non-healthcare workers in critical infrastructure will also be eligible for vaccination.
The governor said with an increased supply of vaccine, the state will be on an expedited timeline that will allow Kansans to get back to work, back to school and back to a more normal way of life.
The people eligible for the vaccine will now include:
• Those aged 16 through 64 with conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including:
o Cancer;
o Down Syndrome;
o Certain heart conditions;
o Type 1 & 2 diabetes;
o Pregnancy;
o Asthma;
o Cystic fibrosis;
o Liver disease;
o Neurological conditions like dementia;
o And other medical risks.
• And other non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including:
o Agricultural and food workers not included in previous phases;
o Workers performing in-person activities indoors;
o Utility workers;
o Social service and government workers not included in previous phases;
o Logistics workers, such as truck transportation workers and couriers;
o Water and wastewater workers;
o Shelter, housing, and finance workers;
o And information technology and communication workers.
The plan will give counties with vaccination events planned a chance to finish delivering the vaccine to people in Phases 1 and 2, and it will allow time for providers to notify people who will be eligible under Phases 3 and 4.
Under this timeline, Kansas is expected to move into the final phase of vaccinations no later than May 1st.
The governor said the state will also activate more providers to complete vaccinations, including safety-net clinics, pharmacies, hospitals and medical practices. The state will also work with the federal government to set up mass vaccination sites in Kansas to increase the number of vaccinations per day.
