*Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

November 24,2020

*Governor Parson Announces Launch of New COVID-19 Vaccine Website for Missourians *

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO)* As research and development of multiple COVID-19 vaccines continue to show promising safety and effectiveness findings, Governor Mike Parson today announced the launch of a new vaccine website for Missouri residents.

MOStopsCOVID.com [ [link removed] ] provides Missourians with information regarding the safety of the vaccines, research and production processes, and when they may be eligible for vaccination. The website will also offer additional functionality as vaccines become available.

Its been remarkable to learn about the work that has been going on for many months now among scientists and researchers, many of whom are right here in Missouri, *Governor Parson* said. The most important thing weve learned about the accelerated development process is that steps have not been eliminated but are instead occurring simultaneously. Safety is not being sacrificed, and its important for Missourians to understand this.

The new website includes answers to common questions Missouri residents [ [link removed] ] may have, such as when they will be able to receive the vaccine and how well it works. It also clarifies misinformation [ [link removed] ] that citizens may have heard about the vaccines.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and partners across the state continue to make preparations in advance of a vaccine arrival, which is anticipated to occur prior to the end of 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has identified the purposes of a COVID-19 vaccine as:


* Decrease death and serious disease,
* Preserve functioning of society,
* Reduce extra burden that COVID-19 is having on people already facing disparities, and
* Increase the chance for everyone to enjoy health and well-being.

A vaccine will initially become available in a limited quantity once it is proven safe and effective, approved for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) [ [link removed] ] by the FDA, and when the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) [ [link removed] ] has provided its recommendations on the use of the vaccines.

In August, a large group of more than 75 state team members, 10 Missouri National Guardsmen, and 50 federal and local partners began working together to develop Missouris COVID-19 vaccine response plan [ [link removed] ]. The plan was finalized and submitted to the CDC in October.

Missouri got a very early start preparing for vaccinations because we think its our best path to getting to a better place, *DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams *said. This process is one that has continued to evolve, and we are committed to providing Missourians with the information they need as quickly as we can provide it. Information is empowering, and personal choices made during this public health emergency can positively impact yourself, those around you, and your entire community.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccine developments, visit MOStopsCOVID.com [ [link removed] ].

###

________________________________________________________________________

*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work: 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


Follow us on Twitter [ [link removed] ] Visit us on Twitter [ [link removed] ]
Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]



________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson PO Box 720 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]