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COVID-19 cases in Pike County have doubled in one week. On Thursday, July 15^th we reported 25 active cases, and as of today, July 21st, we have reached an alarming jump up to 50 active cases. Only 27.4% of Pike County’s population is currently fully vaccinated and only 46.8% for the state of Missouri. Population immunity makes it hard for disease to spread from person to person which is why we urge the community to please consider getting vaccinated. For those getting vaccinated will help protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns and other high risk individuals and the spread of this disease will decline as our vaccination rates increase.

COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help stop the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has announced that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, including severe illness and death. They can reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19 and are effective against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, currently circulating in the United States including the Delta variant. People with weakened immune systems, including people who take immunosuppressive medications, may not be protected even if fully vaccinated.

Some people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may still get sick because no vaccine is 100% effective. Experts continue to monitor and evaluate how often this occurs, how severe their illness is, and how likely a vaccinated person is to spread COVID-19 to others. It is unsure at this time how long COVID-19 vaccines can protect people and it is currently recommended that everyone 12 years of age and older should get their COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is available to those 12 and older, while Moderna & the Johnson & Johnson vaccines are for those 18 and older.

We have COVID-19 vaccines available daily at our office. If you are not vaccinated, please be safe and use caution when planning activities. Improve ventilation indoors, wear a mask in public, social distance and stay home and get tested if you are having symptoms. We offer Moderna on Wednesdays by appointment and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is walk-in welcome Monday – Friday 8:30-11am & from 1-4pm. Call our office at 573-324-2111 or visit our COVID-19 page for more information or to schedule your appointment today.