A principal and a group of staff members from the North Kansas City School District showed up last week at Truman Medical Centers without appointments, demanding to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, according to an internal email sent to employees at North Kansas City School District staff this week.The unnamed principal and other staff members indicated to hospital staff the district sent them for the vaccine, according to the email.The action has now forced Truman Medical Centers to revoke vaccine privileges at the hospital for a small group of North Kansas City Schools staff members 65 and older, and those with certain medical conditions eligible to receive a vaccine, according the district email. KMBC 9 Investigates obtained two separate district emails from a source who wished to remain anonymous. KMBC 9 News is also working to learn the identity of the principal and staff members and if they actually received the vaccines.”The poor behavior of some is jeopardizing this tremendous opportunity and service,” according to the district email. “Communications have been very clear. This act blatantly disregarded the process that had already been expedited.”The district is now switching to a strategy to vaccinate staff at on-site district locations, according to a separate email that went out this week. The email warned that North Kansas City Schools employee should not attempt to “drop in” at the TMC vaccine clinic, citing the value of the district’s partnership with Truman Medical Centers.KMBC 9 Investigates received statements from both Truman Medical Centers and North Kansas City Schools.Statement from Truman Medical Centers:”Truman Medical Centers/University Health remains committed to vaccinating our patients, first responders, educators and community members who are eligible under MO guidelines (we’re currently at phase 1b, t2). We understand that there is a great, anxious demand for inoculation against this awful virus. We’ve had several people in groups who mistakenly believe ours is a walk-in clinic. We are only vaccinating individuals by appointment only.” Statement from North Kansas City Schools:”North Kansas City Schools values its partnership with Truman Medical Center and continues to collaborate on health care for our staff. We are working with state and local health agencies to provide on-site COVID vaccinations to all NKC Schools staff members who elect to participate as soon as possible. The on-site district locations will be more convenient for our staff of over 3500 while providing an efficient means of vaccine distribution. The shift in location for vaccine distribution is an internal matter and is being handled accordingly. We appreciate our healthcare partners for providing invaluable support and resources during this challenging time.”KMBC is working on this developing story. If you have tips, email investigative reporter Matt Flener at investigates@kmbc.com
A principal and a group of staff members from the North Kansas City School District showed up last week at Truman Medical Centers without appointments, demanding to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, according to an internal email sent to employees at North Kansas City School District staff this week.
The unnamed principal and other staff members indicated to hospital staff the district sent them for the vaccine, according to the email.
The action has now forced Truman Medical Centers to revoke vaccine privileges at the hospital for a small group of North Kansas City Schools staff members 65 and older, and those with certain medical conditions eligible to receive a vaccine, according the district email.
KMBC 9 Investigates obtained two separate district emails from a source who wished to remain anonymous.
KMBC 9 News is also working to learn the identity of the principal and staff members and if they actually received the vaccines.
“The poor behavior of some is jeopardizing this tremendous opportunity and service,” according to the district email. “Communications have been very clear. This act blatantly disregarded the process that had already been expedited.”
The district is now switching to a strategy to vaccinate staff at on-site district locations, according to a separate email that went out this week.
The email warned that North Kansas City Schools employee should not attempt to “drop in” at the TMC vaccine clinic, citing the value of the district’s partnership with Truman Medical Centers.
KMBC 9 Investigates received statements from both Truman Medical Centers and North Kansas City Schools.
Statement from Truman Medical Centers:
“Truman Medical Centers/University Health remains committed to vaccinating our patients, first responders, educators and community members who are eligible under MO guidelines (we’re currently at phase 1b, t2). We understand that there is a great, anxious demand for inoculation against this awful virus. We’ve had several people in groups who mistakenly believe ours is a walk-in clinic. We are only vaccinating individuals by appointment only.”
Statement from North Kansas City Schools:
“North Kansas City Schools values its partnership with Truman Medical Center and continues to collaborate on health care for our staff. We are working with state and local health agencies to provide on-site COVID vaccinations to all NKC Schools staff members who elect to participate as soon as possible. The on-site district locations will be more convenient for our staff of over 3500 while providing an efficient means of vaccine distribution. The shift in location for vaccine distribution is an internal matter and is being handled accordingly. We appreciate our healthcare partners for providing invaluable support and resources during this challenging time.”
KMBC is working on this developing story. If you have tips, email investigative reporter Matt Flener at investigates@kmbc.com