Our community has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 29,500 cases and 430 deaths, this virus has challenged us in ways we never conceived. Fortunately, we have the tool to put COVID-19 in the rearview mirror – vaccine.
Vaccines continue to prove themselves to be a long-term solution to preventing the spread of COVID-19, preventing severe illness, and saving lives. But what might be our greatest weapon in the war against COVID-19 will only work if more people take advantage of it. And unfortunately, a majority of Greene County residents have not. As of May 24, just 35% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated, rates that are lagging behind both the state and national averages.
While cases, hospitalizations and deaths are falling, COVID-19 is still here and still poses a threat to our community and will continue to do so unless more people prioritize getting vaccinated. Sadly, the burden of this disease will be focused on those who have not yet been vaccinated. In fact, according to patient interviews, more than 98% of positive cases in Greene County since January have occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
This is why the Springfield-Greene County Health Department is committed to making the COVID-19 vaccine readily available and easily accessible to everyone. By working with our community partners and neighborhood associations, we have been able to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics in neighborhood schools, churches, fire stations, community centers, libraries, parks and apartment complexes. During these events, we’ve had the chance to speak with so many people who were able to fit the vaccination into their schedule because of the convenience and flexibility these events offer. Often someone can walk up, get registered, get vaccinated and sit for the observation period in less than 25 minutes.
If you are still needing your COVID-19 vaccination, or you’ve put off getting the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, visit vaccine417.com or call the COVID-19 Call Center at 417-874-1211 to find information for clinics where you can make an appointment or just walk in!
There are many benefits to being vaccinated against COVID-19. Besides several of the fun incentives (like discounts, free donuts, and even ice skating) businesses and organizations have offered for getting vaccinated, many are also allowing fully vaccinated employees and patrons visit their establishments unmasked. While there is no longer a City ordinance requiring masking in public, the Health Department recommends unvaccinated individuals still mask. Many businesses are following this advice and requiring those who have not yet been vaccinated to mask, so we ask that everyone respect the policies of these businesses.
Perhaps the biggest benefits to getting vaccinated are avoiding severe illness and not having to quarantine. Those who are two weeks out from their second shot of Pfizer and Moderna, or first shot of Johnson & Johnson, are not required to quarantine if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19 if they don’t have any symptoms. Once vaccinated, you and your family can travel, work, participate in summer programs, and start the new school year without facing the unplanned interruptions that quarantining causes.
This summer, we plan to continue providing vaccinations throughout our community, but we need your help! If you know of a neighborhood or organization that would like to host a vaccination clinic, let us know by emailing coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov or calling 417-874-1211. Whether it’s part of an event or a standalone clinic, we want to work with you. If a clinic is on the schedule in your area, help us get the word out! Springfield’s registered neighborhood associations have been a valuable partner in promoting these events.
For some, the end of the mask mandate in Springfield signaled a symbolic end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately this is not the case. COVID-19 is still here, and we while we should celebrate the process that we have made as a community, we have a ways to go before we can declare victory. Everyone can play a part in the final leg of this marathon. Talk to your friends and family, point them towards resources and information that, tell them about your experience getting the vaccine. With your help we will see more of our community get vaccinated, and Finish Strong together.