A spokesperson for the National Milk Producers Federation
says confusion can vary by state or even amongst counties for when for COVID
vaccines will be available for essential food and ag workers.
“There are 50 states and they each have different plans for
distributing vaccines.”
Theresa Sweeney-Murphy tells Brownfield plans and timelines
for distribution range from leaving out agricultural workers altogether while
others are in flux.
“Of the top ten dairy states, California and Michigan are
the only states where food and ag workers are currently eligible for vaccines
unless they meet other qualifications,” she explains.
She says a
new toolbox from their organization aims to answer COVID questions specific
to agriculture and help farmers and processors navigate the continually
changing eligibility requirements.
“The cows don’t take a break, people don’t stop eating, so
these operations much continue,” she says. “Agricultural workers just
like other essential workers are at an increased risk of getting and spreading
COVID-19, so even if you’ve had COVID-19 and you’ve recovered, you should be
vaccinated.”
NMPF has been offering Coronavirus Dairy Toolboxes
throughout the pandemic to help guide farmers through COVID resources and
related support programs.
--Brownfield AgNews