Recent News
December 14, 2021
Missouri Milestone: One year of COVID-19 vaccines being administered in the state
For Immediate Release:
Dec. 14, 2021
Media Contact:
Lisa Cox, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today marks one full year of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines being administered in Missouri. Since then, nearly 7.8 million doses have been administered in the state with more than 61% of all Missourians receiving at least their first dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine series based on CDC data, while 52% of Missourians have completed their vaccinations.
The state of Missouri is still making progress in vaccine initiation, with the most recent 7-day total showing 163,417 doses administered based on Missouri data. By population group, people ages 75-84 are leading the way with nearly 95% initiating vaccination and more than 86% completing their series. Youth in the 5-11 age group have recently been the most active group initiating their vaccinations.
Breakdown by age group (based on Missouri data):
| Population Group | Initiating Vaccine Series | Completing Vaccine Series |
| 65+ years | 92.7% | 84.4% |
| 18+ years | 70.6% | 63.1% |
| 5+ years | 63.3% | 56.0% |
“Thousands of vaccinators in Missouri have worked tirelessly throughout the state to vaccinate residents, remove barriers to access and help us share accurate information about the vaccines,” said Donald Kauerauf, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “Without our healthcare heroes, this would not have been possible. We will never know how many lives these efforts have saved. Vaccinations, in addition to other preventative measures, including wearing a mask, social distancing, ongoing testing, and regularly washing your hands, continue to be the best tools available to prevent infection. It is also important for individuals to get their booster to ensure a consistent level of protection from COVID-19.”
Through supply challenges, coordination of mass vaccination and targeted vaccination events, creation of a centralized fact-based website, staffing shortages and launching vaccine registration and incentive programs, it was a busy and taxing year for public health professionals and the healthcare industry as a whole.
Today, vaccine supply continues to be ample, services remain available to those with healthcare access challenges, and more individuals continue to become eligible for vaccination as ongoing research shows the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines at MOStopsCovid.com and review safer ways to celebrate the holidays.
Media Assets:
Video file of Director Kauerauf celebrating the one year milestone
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