Mayor David Alvey and Archbishop Joseph Naumann received their COVID-19 vaccinations on Monday at the Kansas National Guard Armory in Kansas City, Kansas.
The vaccination clinic is run by the Unified Government Health Department.
“The importance of vaccinations to curb the spread of COVID-19, to protect the health of our community, and help us get back on the road to recovery cannot be overstated,” Mayor Alvey said. “Everyone who lives in Wyandotte County over the age of 16 is now eligible to be vaccinated, and I’m pleased to be joined here today by Archbishop Joseph Naumann in an effort to highlight the importance of vaccinations for our entire community, to assure people that it is safe and effective, and to convey the importance of these efforts in helping defeat this pandemic, which has already caused so much pain and disruption in our lives.”
Archbishop Naumann issued the following statement concerning COVID-19 vaccines, addressing some concerns that Catholics and other faith groups may have with some vaccines:
“First of all, no one should be forced or required to be vaccinated. However, in Catholic understanding, the human person is made in the Divine Image and our bodies are designed to be a temple of God. Thus, we have a responsibility to care for the health of our bodies as well as to protect the health of others.
“I am not a medical expert but I trust the vast majority of medical experts who advise vaccination for the health of our community. With the widespread availability of the vaccines, we have seen dramatic drops in the number of positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths from Covid. The vaccines are not only helping to prevent the spread of Covid, but they also are allowing businesses, churches and schools to reopen and return to normal. This is beneficial to the mental, emotional and economic health of individuals and the community.
“From a moral perspective it is morally permissible to receive all of the current vaccines, even though the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines used a cell line derived from an abortion to test the efficacy of the vaccines. In Catholic moral teaching receiving these vaccines is not formal cooperation with the abortion that occurred fifty years ago, nor with the unethical taking of the cells from the aborted child. The Johnson and Johnson and Astra Zeneca vaccines used a cell line derived from an abortion in their production and development. Receiving these vaccines also does not involve formal cooperation with abortion or the unethical retrieving of cells from an aborted child.
“I urge pharmaceutical companies and our government health officials to develop vaccines that are not even remotely connected to abortion. It is not scientifically necessary to use the cell lines developed from abortion. I urge them to develop and provide in the future untainted vaccines.”
Anyone age 16 and older who lives in Wyandotte County is currently eligible to be vaccinated, with or without an appointment. To help those who want appointments, the Unified Government Public Health Department just launched a new online tool that allows people to schedule their COVID-19 vaccination at their convenience.
How to schedule a vaccine appointment online
- Go to WycoVaccines.org, and click on the blue button that says, “Click here to schedule an appointment online.”
- Fill out pertinent contact information.
- Select a preferred vaccination site. A calendar will then be displayed with available dates.
- Select a date to see available appointment times, then click the time you would like to schedule.
- Once the vaccination appointment is scheduled, the application shows a confirmation, along with any additional instructions.
- When coming in for your appointment, you will be asked to show proof of that you live in Wyandotte County, such as a piece of mail addressed to you, driver’s license, or similar.
When users book an appointment using the Self-Scheduling Tool, that means they will be vaccinated within the hour of their appointment time. For example, if a user selects “10 a.m.” as their appointment time, they will be vaccinated between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on their selected date.
How to schedule a vaccine appointment by phone
Wyandotte County residents who don’t have an internet connection can call 3-1-1 (913-573-5311) for assistance in scheduling their vaccination appointment time and date.
Vaccinations also available without an appointment
Wyandotte County residents 16 years of age and older can also get vaccinated without an appointment at any of the Health Department’s three vaccination facilities.
“We want to remove any barriers that keep people from getting a vaccine,” said Juliann Van Liew, director of the Health Department. “If it’s easier for them to walk in, they can walk in, if they choose to schedule their appointment they can. We also have resources to help community members who need transportation to get their vaccine or who are homebound. We want anyone living in Wyandotte County who wants to be vaccinated to have ready, equal access to COVID-19 vaccinations.”
People living in Wyandotte County can choose any of the Health Department vaccination sites for their vaccination, with or without an appointment. These sites are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
West location
Former Best Buy
10500 Parallel Parkway
Kansas City, Kansas 66109
Central location
Former Kmart
7836 State Ave.
Kansas City, Kansas 66112
East location
The Kansas National Guard Armory
100 S. 20th St.
Kansas City, Kansas 66102
While walk-in patients are welcomed at any of the sites, walk-in patients will not be accepted after 2:30 p.m.
All Wyandotte County residents who want a vaccination (whether by appointment or walk-in) must bring proof of residence with them, such as a piece of mail, driver’s license, or similar.
Help for homebound or those who need transportation
The Health Department also offers assistance for people who need transportation to a vaccination site, or for those who are homebound and want a free COVID-19 vaccination. To submit a request, go to WycoVaccines.org. Click on the yellow and black button that says, “Do you need a ride to get a COVID-19 vaccine?” and fill out the request form. Residents with no internet connection can call 3-1-1 to make their transportation or homebound vaccination request.
When it’s time for you to get your COVID-19 vaccine, keep these tips in mind:
• Please eat something (even a snack) before getting your vaccination.
• Be prepared to wait in the recovery area for 15-30 minutes after your vaccination.
• Wear a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt so you can be vaccinated more easily (if it’s chilly out, wear a sweater or jacket over your short-sleeved shirt).
Volunteer opportunities
The Health Department is seeking additional volunteers to help with COVID-19 vaccine efforts. Volunteers are needed in both clinical and non-clinical roles. People interested in joining the volunteer team are invited to fill out the Volunteer application: ughealth.info/volunteer.
Community information and questions:
Vaccine information: Go to WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1 (913-573-5311).
Other COVID-19 updates: Go to wycokck.org/COVID-19.