Pettis County has now vaccinated approximately 28.2 percent of its population with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the state’s website, 11,953 Pettis County residents have received one dose and 10,449 have completed the two-dose series, which means approximately 24.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

According to minutes from the Pettis County COVID-19 Task Force on Monday, May 10, Pettis County is falling behind the state rate of 38.7 percent with at least one dose and 31.2 percent fully vaccinated. The state is reporting 49.2 percent of the population over 18 has had at least one dose of the vaccine and 39.8 percent is fully vaccinated. For Pettis County, 37.4 percent of the population 18 and over has had at least one dose and 32.8 percent is fully vaccinated.

Health officials say the vaccine remains the primary way to stop the virus from spreading; along with masking, social distancing and staying home if you are ill.