Registration for the COVID-19 vaccination can be problematic for some residents in Missouri. The process primarily involves registering for a time slot to administer a shot, and while walk-in opportunities are available, those locations are in larger cities and transportation can be an additional challenge. The Area Agency on Aging Region X in partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has stepped in to offer vaccine registration assistance.
Registration assistance will put eligible adults in touch with a professional who will assist in booking an appointment for COVID 19 vaccination(s). The service includes follow-up calls to remind seniors of their appointment times and transportation to the clinic sites as needed.
Registration assistance is available for seniors over 65 years of age, adults under 65 with disabilities, and residents of Barton, Jasper, Newton& McDonald counties who have no internet access or who are uncomfortable navigating the online registration website. Services are available by calling the Area Agency on Aging at 417-781-7562.
COVID 19 has shown a rise in cases in southwest Missouri over the last few months. Area hospitals in Joplin and Springfield have stated their COVID units are seeing the same number of clients and hospitalizations as peak times last winter. Jeremy Drinkwitz, president of Mercy Hospital Joplin recently stated, “Most importantly, we need the community to step up and get vaccinated. We know the vaccines are safe. We know they’re effective. We have yet to see a single vaccinated patient land in our ICU. Please, roll up your sleeve.”
