SD DOH says vaccination rate in South Dakota outpacing much of the country
PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Health says vaccination rates in South Dakota continue to outpace much of the country. Over 129,000 people have received at least one vaccine dose, while 40,000 of those have gotten both doses.
Health officials say their weekly allotment is increasing more than five-percent – to over 13,000 – which should keep the state ahead of the curve. In addition, starting next week, the age limit for vaccinations will drop to 70 and older..
The Secretary of Health cautions, however, that testing still plays a key role in fighting the pandemic – and she urges residents to take advantage of free saliva tests available from the state.
“We really need people to continue to take precautions, again, testing is part of the overall response that we can’t let up on, so testing and vaccination really are going to be the keys to ending this pandemic,” said Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon.
In addition, it was announced on Wednesday that a number of retail pharmacies will begin administering vaccinations – although none of the initial locations are West River.
Categories: Coronavirus, Local News, SDDOH COVID, South Dakota News
Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID-AlertMe, pandemic, sd doh, Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon, vaccination, vaccination rate
