More than a third of all Pettis County residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Pettis County Health Center officials, Pettis County has now vaccinated approximately 34 percent of the population with at least one dose. According to the state’s website, 14,395 Pettis County residents have received one dose and 12,452 are considered fully vaccinated, which is approximately 29.4 percent of the population.

However, during the meeting of the Pettis County COVID-19 Task Force on Monday, July 26, health officials said Pettis County is falling behind the state rate of 47.2 percent with at least one dose and 40.8 percent are fully vaccinated.

The state is reporting 57.9 percent of the population over 18 has had at least one dose of vaccine and 50.5 percent are fully vaccinated. For Pettis County, 45.2 percent of the population 18+ has at least one dose and 39.1 percent are fully vaccinated. Approximately 7 percent of the 12-17 year olds in Pettis County are fully vaccinated.

This past week, 530 doses of vaccine were administered compared to 430 doses the week before.

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. Vaccines are available at AFC Urgent Care, local pharmacies, at many community events as well as Katy Trail Community Health, Bothwell Regional Health Center and the Pettis County Health Center.”

All vaccines are free.

The Pettis County Health Center has regular walk-in clinics on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. First doses are 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.