The Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) with
support of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA),
is supporting COVID-19 vaccination transportation in
Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Crawford, Dent, Henry,
Hickory, Howell, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Phelps, St
Clair, and Vernon Counties. No-cost transportation to
COVID-19 vaccination appointments begins August 9,
2021. No-cost transportation includes youth 12 years and
older with a parent or guardian present.
COVID-19 cases are rising. The new Delta variant,
predicted to become the dominant variant worldwide, was
first identified in Missouri in April of this year. The primary
target for the Delta variant and other variants is
unvaccinated individuals.
According to a news release issued by the Department of
Health and Senior Services on July 2, 2021, mRNA
vaccines developed for COVID-19 are nearly 90% effective
against symptomatic disease and 96% effective against
hospitalization. Some reports indicate the Delta variant's
viral load is 1000-times higher than other variants making
it substantially more transmissible than in prior months. It
is slated to be 60% more transmissible than the Alpha
variant that was first discovered in the U.K. See local
statistics (updated daily).
"The Delta variant is also impacting young people in a way
that previous variants have not," said DHSS Acting
Director Robert Knodell. "It is wrong to think that only the
elderly and those with compromised immune systems
need the vaccination. The virus has changed since the
early days of the pandemic."
To safeguard and improve the health of rural Missourians,
MRHA wants to eliminate the transportation barrier for
COVID vaccinations. Using MRHA volunteer drivers and
the HealthTran scheduling platform, rides can be
scheduled 3 to 20 days in advance. Individuals living in
the same household may be transported together.
To find local vaccination sites and arrange an
appointment explore www.vaccines.gov/search/
● Select vaccines of choice.
● Enter ZIP Code (25 miles or less Radius) and
click "Search for Vaccines".
● Select a location close to you using the list and
map feature.
● Call to set an appointment date and time.
Remember to schedule three or more working
days in advance. This improves ride
availability. Call 573-469-9117 to schedule a
ride.
● A mobility coordinator will be available Monday
through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
and Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
● Leave a voice message with a name, contact
number, appointment date, time, and location.
A mobility manager will call immediately to
confirm your trip details.
● Rides are not guaranteed and are based on
driver availability. If possible, schedule your ride
five or more days in advance.
If you live outside the listed counties above, find free
and low-cost transportation options.
This website offers statewide transportation resources.
For direct assistance, contact MO RIDES 844-836-7433
or visit www.morides.org.
For more information, contact Mary Gordon at
Mary@morha.org, or call 573.616.2740. Learn
more about MRHAssociation.org
How to Schedule a Ride
FREE
TRANSPORTATION
AVAILABLE
FOR
COVID-19
VACCINATION
APPOINTMENTS
BEGINS
AUGUST
9
FREE
TRANSPORTATION
AVAILABLE
FOR
COVID-19
VACCINATION
APPOINTMENTS
BEGINS
AUGUST
9
PAGE 05 August Issue 2021
