St Louis Makes Progress with COVID Vaccines

Recent weeks have seen a flurry of updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) easing restrictions and providing hope of a return to normal.

Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear mask or socially distance in most places both indoors and out. With a few exceptions, municipalities and businesses are jumping on the bandwagon and welcoming the actual smiles of constituents and customers.

The CDC hopes that relaxed restrictions will prompt more Americans to seek out the vaccine, and residents in the St. Louis metropolitan area are listening. For the week ending May 15, 2021, almost 60% of St. Louis City and County residents had received at least one COVID vaccine shot and 67% of the region is fully vaccinated. This parallels the State of Missouri average of 61% having received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine.

Increased vaccinations are lowering the incidence of new COVID cases in the region. The numbers of positive COVID cases fell 15% week over week to their lowest point since the beginning of the pandemic. Missouri has the seventh lowest transmission rate in the nation. To date, Missouri has administered over 5.4 million COVID tests and 4.5 million COVID vaccine doses.

Here is the latest information about getting your COVID vaccine in the St. Louis metro area:

• Anyone 12-years-old or older is currently eligible for vaccination. The three brands of COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson) each have different age requirements, so check with your local health department about which is right for your 12-15 year old.
• All major health systems are currently offering vaccinations by appointment including Mercy, BJC, SSM Health, Affinia and Compass Health System. St. Luke’s Hospital hosts a walk-in vaccine clinic at Chesterfield Mall.
• The State of Missouri is still offering several mass vaccination sites. You can get more information on mass vaccinations here.

If you are fully vaccinated, here are some updated guidelines:

• You do not have to wear a mask or practice social distancing in large or small gatherings.
• You do not need to take a COVID test if you have been exposed and are asymptomatic. You no longer need to take a COVID test before or after travel within the United States.
• The federal government still mandates mask wearing on public transportation including planes, buses, and trains, as well as in transportation hubs like airports.
• State and local governments and businesses may also continue mask mandates for the time being.
• The following national chains no longer require fully vaccinated customers to wear a mask Aldi, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Costco, CVS, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart
• The following local organizations no longer require fully vaccinated customers to wear a mask: Schnucks, Dierbergs, St. Louis Aquarium, St. Louis Art Museum, Magic House, Busch Stadium, St. Louis Science Center

COVID-19 guidelines are updated often, and the federal government urges Americans to understand that the pandemic is still a very real threat. Make sure you respect the restrictions set my government entities and businesses that may still require mask wearing and social distancing. As we welcome a return to pre-pandemic life, Watson Imaging Center is right here to serve your imaging needs. Our medical professionals put your health and safety first. We offering the highest quality imaging services with convenient hours and location. Call (314) 781-9711 today.