COVID-19 cases are rising. The new Delta variant, predicted to become the dominant variant worldwide, was first identified in Missouri in April of this year. The primary target for the Delta variant and other variants is unvaccinated individuals.
The Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA), with support of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), is supporting COVID-19 vaccination transportation in several counties, including Johnson, Lafayette and Pettis in the KMMO listening area. No-cost transportation to COVID-19 vaccination appointments is now available, which includes youths 12 years and older with a parent or guardian present.
According to the Department of Health and Senior Services on July 2, mRNA vaccines developed for COVID-19 are nearly 90 percent effective against symptomatic disease and 96 percent effective against hospitalization. Some reports indicate the Delta variant’s viral load is 1,000-times higher than other variants, making it substantially more transmissible than in prior months. It is slated to be 60 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant that was first discovered in the U.K.
Using MRHA volunteer drivers and the HealthTran scheduling platform, rides can be scheduled three to 20 days in advance. Individuals living in the same household may be transported together.
How to Schedule a Ride:
To find local vaccination sites and arrange an appointment explore www.vaccines.gov/search/.
· Select the vaccines of choice.
· Enter your ZIP Code (25 miles or less Radius) and click “Search for Vaccines”.
· Select a location close to you using the list and map feature.
· Call to set an appointment date and time. Remember to schedule three or more working days in advance. This improves ride availability. Call (573) 469-9117 to schedule a ride.
· A mobility coordinator will be available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday.
· Leave a voice message with a name, contact number, appointment date, time and location. A mobility manager will call immediately to confirm your trip details.
· Rides are not guaranteed, and are based on driver availability. If possible, schedule your ride five or more days in advance.