JEFFERSON CITY — Thrown off-stride to reach its COVID-19 vaccination goal, the Biden administration is sending A-list officials across the country, devising ads for niche markets and enlisting community organizers to persuade unvaccinated people to get a shot.
The strategy has the trappings of a political campaign, complete with data crunching to identify groups that can be won over and in some cases a door-to-door effort.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has informed the Biden administration he is against any door-to-door vaccination drive.
On social media Wednesday, Parson wrote, "I have directed our health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would not be an effective or a welcome strategy in Missouri."
"We will continue to offer convenient vaccination options to all Missourians for those who want a COVID-19 vaccine."
"Teresa and I both have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and we encourage anyone age 12 and up to get vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them.
Our state health department will continue to deliver and encourage fact-based, health-driven messages from trusted medical experts and community partners."