Pettis County has now vaccinated approximately 30.5 percent of the population with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the state website, 12,893 Pettis County residents have received one dose and 11,443 have completed the two-dose series- which means approximately 27 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

However, during the Pettis County COVID-19 Task Force meeting on Monday, June 14, Pettis County Health officials said Pettis County is falling behind the state rate of 42.9 percent with at least one dose and 36.5 percent fully vaccinated.

The state is reporting 53.3 percent of the population over 18 has received at least one dose of vaccine and 45.8 percent are fully vaccinated. For Pettis County, 40.4 percent of the population 18-plus has had at least one dose and 35.9 percent are fully vaccinated.

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 vaccination clinics on from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 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.