O’Fallon designated “Purple Heart City” by national veterans’ organization

Missouri expands eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to all fully vaccinated adults

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has amended the state’s standing orders for COVID-19 vaccine administration immediately authorizing use of a single booster dose for all individuals ages 18 and older after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. This follows the FDA and CDC’s announcements today authorizing and endorsing the use of single dose boosters for all adults.

Those who are 18 or older and fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible for a booster shot: • At least two months after a one-dose vaccine of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, or • At least six months after a two-dose vaccine of Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna.

“The data we released yesterday shows that vaccines are undisputedly saving lives,” said Donald Kauerauf, Director of DHSS. “These vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious illness. I would encourage all eligible adults to seek a booster to maintain a high level of protection, especially as we enter colder months when instances of respiratory infections are more readily circulated. With the upcoming holidays, where you will come in contact with your loved ones, getting vaccinated is the way to prevent getting sick and unknowingly exposing others. Thousands of Missourians are also still choosing to receive their primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations in Missouri each week, so we are continuing to make progress as a state.”

COVID-19 booster shots are administered anywhere the COVID-19 vaccine is available. Individuals do not need to get their booster shot at the same location they received their initial series. Those seeking a booster shot can visit MOStopsCovid.com to find a nearby provider and schedule an appointment or locate a walk-in clinic.

Individuals are strongly urged to get their flu vaccine at the same time they receive the COVID-19 booster shot. Although it is still too early to determine the severity of influenza this year, there have already been multiple outbreaks on college campuses across the United States. It is recommended that individuals six months and older get their flu vaccine annually. Find a flu shot near you at MOStopsFlu.com. Research shows that all COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective at preventing severe illness and death. Individuals should only get a booster shot when it is recommended, not earlier. Learn more about COVID-19 booster doses from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 vaccine:

• Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines. gov, where you can search for availability by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer). • Call the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (or TTY 1-888-720-7489). Help is available in multiple languages. • Locate local vaccination events in Missouri at MOStopsCovid.com. • Seniors and homebound adults can make arrangements using information at MOStopsCovid.com/seniors • Missouri DHSS COVID-19 Public Hotline • 1-877-435-8411 • Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 test:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites. • Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program. • Find a free testing option near you through the federal pharmacy locations.

O’Fallon designated “Purple Heart City” by national veterans’ organization

The city of O’Fallon has received special recognition from the national Military Order of the Purple Heart, which designated O’Fallon as a “Purple Heart City” during the city’s Nov. 11 Veterans Day Ceremony.

This prestigious award is given to cities and communities that display their honor and remembrance of U.S. veterans and the sacrifices service members have made to protect America’s freedom and values.

Commander Sydney Stanton, from Fenton Chapter 125 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, presented O’Fallon with a ceremonial plaque and Purple Heart flag during the service, which was held on the 20th anniversary of the opening of the city’s Veterans Memorial Walk monument.

“It is such an honor to be named a Purple Heart City,” said Mayor Bill Hennessy. “O’Fallon is grateful to all members of America’s armed forces – active and retired – for their courageous service, and our city has a long and proud history of recognizing those who have paid the ultimate price on our behalf.”

This designation reflects O’Fallon’s continuing commitment to its veterans, which includes adding Purple Heart parking spaces at civic centers and city parks and public ceremonies during veterans’ holidays and observances.

Photo courtesy city of O’Fallon

Commander Sydney Stanton, from Fenton Chapter 125 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, presented O’Fallon with a ceremonial plaque and Purple Heart flag during the city’s Nov. 11 Veterans Day Ceremony.

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