COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
State Rep. Gregg Bush is set to share his experience working during the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday amid the backdrop of increased scrutiny and changing guidelines for vaccines.
Bush is a registered nurse who worked in public health care during the global emergency. On Tuesday night at the Columbia Public Library, he’s planning to co-host the Boone County community for a discussion about what it was like working in health care at the time, according to a news release.
The event will include stories of local families and shared experiences of people who also worked in the industry at the time, the release says.
While Bush looks to reflect on the past, many health care providers are now complying with new guidelines related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the fall and winter season in August. The regulations now state that Americans will be required to get a prescription to receive a COVID-19 vaccination unless they are 65 years or older or have underlying health conditions that put them at risk.
Healthy children under age 18 will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine after consulting with their health care provider.
MU Health Care announced in a press release on Tuesday that it plans to host more than 200 COVID and flu vaccination events across Central Missouri this month and in October. The first event will be held in Jefferson City on Sept. 27 at the Madison Street Medical Building. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon.
A second event will be held on Oct. 11 at the same place and time.
In Columbia, people will be able to receive a COVID or flu shot through drive-thru events on Oct. 18 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
People can also receive the shots at Fulton Family Health on Oct. 11 from 8 a.m. to noon.
MU Health Care spokesman Eric Maze told ABC 17 News via email Tuesday that COVID vaccines will only be available for adults 65 and older or adults with a qualifying condition who can attest that they meet one or more risk factors.
“If a person cannot attest to high risk but still wishes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they can consult with a primary care practitioner and receive a vaccine from a clinic or pharmacy with a practitioner’s order,” Maze said.
Bush’s event is being held at the Columbia Public Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Boone Health spokesman Christian Basi said in a statement Tuesday that the hospital group is “following the news” related to vaccine guidelines.
Check back for updates.