Pettis County has now vaccinated approximately 29.6 percent of its population with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to minutes from the Pettis County COVID-19 Task Force meeting on Tuesday, May 1.

According to the state’s website, 12,544 Pettis County residents have received one dose and 11,083 have completed the two-dose series, which is approximately 26.2 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

However, health officials say Pettis County is falling behind the state rate of 41.8 percent with at least one dose and 34.7 percent fully vaccinated.

The state is reporting 52.1 percent of the population over 18 has had at least one dose of the vaccine and 44.1 percent is fully vaccinated.

For Pettis County, 39.3 percent of the population 18+ has had at least one dose and 34.8 percent is fully vaccinated.

Health officials say vaccine remains the primary way to stop the virus from spreading along with masking, distancing and staying home if you are ill. The FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine for everyone 12 years of age and older.

The Pettis County Health Center will have regular walk-in clinics from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. First doses will be available as well as second doses for those unable to make their second dose appointment.

If you would like to register, you can call (660) 827-1130, but appointments are not required.

Walk in vaccination opportunities are available throughout Pettis County. If you know of someone needing transportation to reach a place to get a vaccination, OATS is providing transportation to vaccine clinics free of charge. To schedule transportation, call 1 (800) 276-6287.