US: Support for prioritising vaccines for meat factory workers
The US Meat Institute has welcomed support for prioritising meat workers for a covid-19 vaccination.
CEO Julie Anna Potts said: "Vaccination is the next critical step that will protect this diverse workforce and facilitate vaccine distribution in rural areas with limited health services.”
Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) added their voices to the notion.
According to Meat and Poultry, Governor Kelly meatpacking plants will be near the top of the priority list to receive the vaccination following health care workers and those in long-term care facilities.
LULAC said: "Food and agricultural workers are heroes. They have been on the front lines of the pandemic, ensuring Americans have access to safe, nutritious, affordable food and they should be at the front of the line for the vaccine as well.”
The Meat Institute joined the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Pork Producers Council in requesting the nation’s governors include meat workers in priority vaccine plans.
