United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) highlighted new tools from the White House making it easier for Missouri residents to get vaccinated near them.

Missourians 16 years and older can now input their ZIP code at www.vaccines.gov or www.vacunas.gov or text their ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) or VACUNA (822862) to get help making a vaccine appointment at a nearby location.

Public health officials are urging every eligible American to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Right now, more than 90 percent of Americans live within five miles of a vaccine site. These new vaccine tools make it quicker, more accessible and more convenient to make an appointment to receive a COVID shot, which studies have proven to be remarkably safe and effective.

The pace of vaccination has quickly ramped up over the past three months thanks to the desperately needed resources delivered by the American Rescue Plan. As of this week, more than 105 million Americans are fully vaccinated. However, Missouri ranks in the bottom 15 states in terms of population percentage vaccinated.