Testimony on Senate Bill 295

Summary: "Testimony in opposition to Senate Bill 295 which would authorize counties to adopt prioritized vaccination plans and prohibit the state from reducing vaccination allotments based on adherence to state guidelines. As the State's Public Health agency, we have concerns about the impact this bill will have on the vaccine prioritization schedule and the states effort to quickly and equitably vaccinate citizens. ... The purpose of the phased allocation provides guidance for local jurisdictions while vaccine supply is limited. To develop this phasing, KDHE segmented and prioritized Kansas' population based on public health risk and criticality to state infrastructure. ... Each week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) determines the amount of incoming COVID-19 vaccine that will be given to each county and enrolled provider. Beginning in Phase 2 of the vaccine roll-out, KDHE began using an automated algorithm to equitably distribute vaccine. ... The vaccine prioritization guidelines take into consideration the scientific evidence regarding COVID-19 epidemiology, ethical principles, and vaccination program implementation considerations. If SB 295 were passed, it would not be productive in efforts to coordinate an effective and organized campaign to vaccinate Kansans against COVID-19."

Record details

• Physical Description: 1 online resource (1 page)
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• Publisher: Topeka, Kansas : Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 2021.