Vaccinations and precautions such as mask-wearing, hand washing, and social distancing will minimize the spread of Covid-19. Now, children ages 5 through 11 can be vaccinated with a pediatric dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, approved by the FDA and CDC. Combined with more people ages 12 and older getting vaccinated and maintaining immunity with boosters, we can slow the spread.
As of November 20, 2021, the CDC reported that nearly 196 million people across the country are fully vaccinated which represents 59% of the total population. Some 33.5 million had received a booster dose, ramping up their immunity just as people begin spending more time gathering with family and friends indoors.
In Missouri, 3.1 million people, or nearly 51% of the population, is fully vaccinated. Residents of northeast Missouri counties are encouraged to talk to their NMHC provider about the benefits of Covid vaccines and boosters and get their questions answered by a medical professional. Three northeast Missouri counties are in the bottom 10 counties statewide for percentage of residents who are fully vaccinated. County totals as of November 20, 2021 are:
Adair | 41.6% |
Clark | 27.4% |
Knox | 38.5% |
Lewis | 29.6% |
Macon | 37.1% |
Mercer | 32.9% |
Putnam | 30.7% |
Schuyler | 27.2% |
Scotland | 23.4% |
Shelby | 41.1% |
Sullivan | 39.1% |
If You Have Covid Symptoms, Get Tested!
If you experience any symptoms of Covid-19, call your NMCH provider’s office to schedule a test. Symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
If you have trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, uncharacteristic confusion, inability to wake or to stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds seek emergency medical care immediately.
If you have Covid symptoms – especially when you know you have been around someone who has tested positive – get tested.
Confirming Covid allows public health officials to conduct contact tracing to isolate and quarantine individuals which, in turn, slows the spread of the disease. Testing also helps public health officials monitor where and why the disease is spreading.
Care When You Need It NOW
More and more patients are turning to Northeast Missouri Health Council’s Quick Care for a fast and convenient way to visit a healthcare provider for whatever ails them.
Quick Care offers a virtual visit with a provider and drive-through testing for common illnesses, including strep throat, RSV, the flu, and COVID-19. If you or your child are having symptoms of any of these, just call us at 660-627-4493 to schedule an online provider visit and drive-through testing at Northeast Family Health, 1506 Crown Drive in Kirksville, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You never know when you might come down with something. Don’t wait to get a diagnosis and get tested. Start feeling better sooner by receiving Quick Care at Northeast Missouri Health Council!
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