Virtually all new local cases of COVID-19 have one thing in common: they're unvaccinated

MACON, MO -- The Macon County Health Department recently released an update as to the status of COVID-19 within the county. Macon County announced one new death related to the virus. Within their report, the health department included information on the increase of cases within the last week in which 21 new cases were reported. Of those 21 cases, only one was vaccinated. Per data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Macon County is in the top 10 counties within the state with one of the highest reported COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents (66 per 100K). Macon County has re-entered the "Extreme Risk" category which it originally left after improvement of cases back in February and March. In Macon County roughly 26% of residents have completed their vaccinations where 28% of residents who have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In total, over 8,000 doses have been administered within the county.

"COVID-19 vaccines are starting to prove safe and effective in preventing transmission and reducing the health effects for those few vaccinated people who get infected. The Pfizer vaccine is proving to be 95% effective; Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective; and, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 72% effective. Both Pfizer and Moderna are a 2-shot series. All 3 vaccines are free and available in Macon County at local vaccinators such as Macon County Health Department and Samaritan Hospital, as well as some local pharmacies. The nurses at the health department are knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have about the vaccines." - The Macon County Health Department

Macon County Health Department Data full report:

(Macon County, MO) – During the week of June 9 – June 15, 2021, there were 21 new cases of COVID-19. Currently, there are 24 active cases with 5 residents hospitalized. Of these 21 new cases only one was vaccinated. We are sad to report a new death where COVID-19 was a factor. Macon County is continuing an upward trend in cases in mainly unvaccinated residents. Per DHSS as of yesterday our case rate is 66.2 per 100,000 (up from 26.5 last week) and positivity rate is 16.9% (up from 8.0% last week). Due to our high positivity rate, we jumped back up to an Extreme Risk category. In April we had an average of 6 new cases each week; May we had an average of 9.5 new cases each week; and, June so far, we have an average of 15.5 new cases each week. The week ending June 8 we had 14 active cases and this week we have 24 active cases. Last week we had 3 hospitalized and this week we are up to 5 residents in the hospital. COVID-19 vaccines are starting to prove safe and effective in preventing transmission and reducing the health effects for those few vaccinated people who get infected. The Pfizer vaccine is proving to be 95% effective; Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective; and, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 72% effective. Both Pfizer and Moderna are a 2-shot series. All 3 vaccines are free and available in Macon County at local vaccinators such as Macon County Health Department and Samaritan Hospital, as well as some local pharmacies. The nurses at the health department are knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have about the vaccines.

The following reflects COVID-19 in Macon County as of the end of the day on June 15, 2021 –

24 active cases
5 hospitalized
17 deaths
1,676 total cases since March 2020