COVID-19 Updates

Robert Knodell, Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and Dr. George Turabelidze, State Epidemiologist, signed the standing order for PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine administration for individuals 12 to 15 years in the state of Missouri. This is following the decision by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the Pfizer vaccine is made available to administer to children ages 12-15 years. The vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19. Prior to this decision, the Pfizer vaccine was only approved for individuals age 16 and above.

In Missouri, this expanded authorization creates vaccine eligibility for approximately 313,000 additional individuals. 

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, at least three weeks apart, for all eligible individuals. It is important to receive the second dose for maximum protection against COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccinations for those 12 years and older are available from any provider offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. DHSS continues to enroll pediatricians into State's COVID-19 vaccine program so they can order COVID-19 vaccines and administer them to their patients. Additionally, schools may consider partnering with a local public health agency or another provider to set up vaccination clinics for students.

The Moderna and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccines continue to be available to individuals age 18 and older. Those seeking vaccination should visit MOStopsCovid.com to find vaccination sites and events. State-supported events and vaccination sites can be found at this site. Individuals can also register in Missouri Vaccine Navigator and find appointment options in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and French. Some local providers also accept walk-ins. 

In most situations, a parent or guardian must be present for an individual under the age of 18 to receive the vaccine. In some settings, written consent from a parent or guardian may also be permissible. 

In clinical trials, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was found to be 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 among participants ages 12-15. The side effects in adolescents were similar to those reported in clinical trial participants 16 years of age and older and included pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle, and joint pain, and fever.

Friday, May 21, 2021

This Friday, HHS along with other government and community partners is hosting a national vaccine day of action online, and we're inviting you to join.

Today, 90% of Americans have a vaccine site within 5 miles of their home. Vaccines are accessible and they're our best tool in beating Covid-19. As a trusted leader in your community, your voice is important. On May 21, we're asking you to reach out to your networks and let them know about how to find a vaccine appointment using vaccine.gov. We're also asking you to share why getting vaccinated is important to you while using the hashtag #WeCanDoThis.



Captain (CAPT) Scott Conner

Executive Officer and Acting Regional Director

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE)

Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs

Click on the buttons below to access tools and messaging samples for Digital Day of Action this Friday, May 21.

Make the best decisions to protect you, your family, and your community. Talk with your health care provider to get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines. Find a vaccine location near you: 🔍 Search vaccines.gov 💬 Text your ZIP code to 438829 📞 Call 1-800-232-0233 #WeCanDoThis 

Rural Health News

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

For 2021’s Mental Health Awareness Month NAMI will continue to amplify the message of “You Are Not Alone.” We will use this time to focus on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health and acknowledging that it’s okay to not be okay through NAMI’s blog, personal stories, videos, digital toolkits, social media engagements and national events.

Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives — a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle.