Pettis County has now vaccinated approximately 31.3 percent of its population with at least one dose.

According to the state’s website, 13,238 Pettis County residents have received one dose, and 11,780 are considered fully vaccinated- which is approximately 27.8 percent of the population.

However, health officials say Pettis County is falling behind the state rate of 44.2 percent with at least one dose and 38.8 percent fully vaccinated.

The state is reporting 54.6 percent of the population over 18 has had at least one dose of vaccine and 48.3 percent are fully vaccinated. For Pettis County, 41.5 percent of the population 18-plus has received at least one dose and 36.9 percent is fully vaccinated. Last week, 291 doses of vaccine were given to Pettis County residents.

During the Pettis County COVID-19 Task Force meeting on Monday, June 28, health officials said vaccine remains to be the primary way to stop the virus from spreading, along with masking, social 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.

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.

For more information on vaccine in Missouri, go to the website www.MOStopsCOVID.com.