U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), toured the mass vaccination clinic that opened to patients today at The University of Kansas Health System. “I came to see what I can do to help at a federal level with getting the vaccine into the arms of more Kansans,” said Senator Moran as he walked the clinic space on the sixth floor of the Medical Pavilion that is now the designated COVID-19 vaccine clinic.
Phase 2 of the Kansas Vaccination Phases by Population (PDF) is now underway, which includes persons aged 65 and older. The health system is working through the process of vaccinating its patients in that category in the new clinic on the Kansas City Campus. In addition, health system leaders anticipate opening a second vaccine clinic at the Indian Creek Campus in the 10730 Nall Avenue building. Each clinic will be able to vaccinate up to 5,000 patients a week, depending on the amount of vaccine received.
Only health system patients aged 65 and older who have been seen in the last three years will be invited to schedule vaccinations at the clinic at this time, and invitations are being sent based on the supply of vaccine. People who are not currently patients of the health system may visit kansashealthsystem.com/COVIDVaccineForm and complete a form with details including name, age, address and email address. Based on the provided details, those eligible for vaccination under the current Kansas distribution plan will be notified as vaccine becomes available.
In the video, Senator Moran describes talking with people getting their vaccinations today and told of their joy and what it means to their lives. He says one woman told him she’ll be able to hold her grandkids again, while still observing the pillars of infection prevention such as mask wearing. Moran says he’s here to learn what he can do help get more doses of the vaccine to Kansas. He emphasized that even though Kansas is getting the same percentage of the vaccine as the rest of the country, based on population, it’s not enough. He stressed how important it is for a high percentage of the population to get the vaccine in order to combat COVID-19, and why it’s vital we all continue to wear masks and keep socially distant and do the things that make our lives and our families lives safer.
The video also includes b-roll of Senator Moran being given the tour of the clinic by Kim Dixon, assistant chief nursing officer, ambulatory.
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