Greene County reports 22 COVID-19 deaths

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is reminding immunocompromised individuals to get vaccinated, following the deaths of another 22 Greene County residents. 

The 22 COVID-19 deaths were reported to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department between August 18 and 24. Among those where the information is available, all had underlying health conditions putting them at increased risk for serious disease. 

Risk factors included heart conditions, obesity, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease. Of those we are reporting, 18 deaths occurred in August, bringing the total number of deaths in August to 42. Those lost ranged in age from their 40s to their 90s.

A total of 578 Greene County residents have died from COVID-19. Of those who have died since January, 93% were not fully vaccinated. All fully vaccinated individuals who’ve died had underlying health conditions, highlighting how important it is to get vaccinated – especially those with a high-risk medical condition. 

For immunocompromised individuals who have already completed their 2-dose series of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control is recommending a third dose 28 days after receiving their second dose. Although hospitalizations and fatalities among fully vaccinated individuals are rare, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that immunocompromised individuals may have a reduced response to the COVID-19 vaccination, leaving them more susceptible to illness.

 

Those who have questions about whether they should receive a third dose of the vaccine should speak with their physician.

The Health Department will be administering third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to eligible individuals at the Westside Clinic at 660 S. Scenic on Friday from 8 am – 12 pm. An appointment is required and can be made at vaccine417.com or by calling our COVID-19 call center at (417) 874-1211.

Per CDC guidance, individuals who should receive a third dose include those who have:

 
Active cancer treatment for solid tumors or cancers of the blood
Received a solid organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Received a stem cell transplant (within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system)
Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

The COVID-19 vaccines are our best defense against the virus and the Delta variant circulating in our community. The vaccines are safe, effective and help prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths.

A complete list of vaccine opportunities can be found at vaccine417.com or by calling (417) 874-1211.