DHSS: 61 percent of Missourians have received their first dose of COVID vaccine

State health officials say Tuesday marked the first full year of safe and effective COVID vaccines being administered in Missouri.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) says about 7.8 million doses have been administered in Missouri since then. 84 percent of those 65 and older have completed the vaccine series.

DHSS Director Donald Kauerauf says thousands of Missouri vaccinators have worked tirelessly across the state to vaccinate residents and remove barriers to access.

DHSS says 61 percent of Missourians have received at least their first dose of an authorized COVID vaccine series. 52 percent of Missourians have completed their vaccinations.