Area residents who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can now be more optimistic about getting it soon.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services pledged Monday to evenly distribute more than half of the 76,000 doses it receives each week to hospitals in all regions of the state.

Two hospitals in Jasper County, Freeman Hospital, Mercy Hospital Joplin, will be sharing the doses expected to be delivered to this area.

Here’s the state’s latest distribution plan:

• 53% to hospitals
• 23% to regional mass vaccination clinics (such as the one held Jan. 29 in Joplin).
• 8% to local public health agencies.
• 8% federally qualified health centers.
• 8% community providers.

Guaranteed future delivery of vaccines by the state meanS hospitals have the confidence to schedule more vaccination appointments.

The best chance to schedule a vaccination is to:

• Call Freeman Hospital at (417) 502-SHOT or visit www.freemanhealth.com.
• Go to Mercy Hospital’s vaccine website
• Get notified about upcoming vaccination clinics by signing up with the Joplin Health Department. Those without computer access can call (417) 623-4973.

Meanwhile, appointments for a vaccination clinic held Tuesday in Joplin were all spoken for shortly after the clinic was announced. The Joplin Health Department promises more clinics as vaccine becomes available.

FREE TESTING CLINIC

Another free COVID-19 testing clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Access Family Care, 530 S. Maiden Lane, Joplin. Click here to register: health.mo.gov/communitytest 

MORE DEATHS

The Jasper County Health Department reported an additional eight deaths Monday, Feb. 1, bringing the county’s total to 127.

The Joplin Health Department reported 3 additional deaths on Thursday, Jan. 28, and seven more Wednesday, Feb. 3. Joplin’s death toll is now 122.