Groups say ag workers should be prioritized for vaccine after healthcare workers


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Groups say ag workers should be prioritized for vaccine after healthcare workers

The National Pork Producers Council says US agriculture and food workers should be included as a priority group for coronavirus vaccine distribution.

NPPC submitted comments in response to a meeting held by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Dec. 1 to determine allocation for initial doses of the vaccine.

NPPC says it supports the recommendation to prioritize healthcare workers and other high-risk individuals for the first phase of vaccinations. The group supports prioritizing food and ag workers, including livestock producers and meat workers, in the next round of vaccinations.

The North American Meat Institute is also urging federal authorities to prioritize vaccines for the men and women working in the meat and poultry industry, following healthcare workers and long-term care residents.

President and CEO Julie Anna Potts says the meat and poultry industry was among the first sectors to be challenged with the pandemic and has since implemented effective programs to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But she says access to vaccines remains the most critical tool to protect this workforce.  

The North American Meat Institute says including meat and poultry workers would increase health equity because the workforce is diverse and would strengthen vaccine distribution in rural communities.

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