More Vaccinations, But COVID Cases On Rise In Greene County

Posted December 2, 2021

More than 6,400 people in Greene County got their first COVID-19 shot in November.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department says the increase is in part due to the emergency approval and authorization of the pediatric vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11.

It comes as new cases of COVID-19 start to rise.

The 7-day rolling average of daily cases was up to 57.6 on Nov. 30, up from 35.6 on Oct. 31.

300 cases have been reported since Monday, indicating a possible post-Thanksgiving surge.

51 percent of people in Greene County are unvaccinated as the holiday season approaches.

Press Release

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is pleased to report 6,439 Greene County residents took the first step to becoming fully vaccinated in November. This is nearly double the number who became partially vaccinated in October. The Health Department expresses its gratitude to everyone who has taken the steps to protect themselves and our community by getting themselves or their children vaccinated against COVID-19.

The increase in residents partially vaccinated is due to the emergency approval and authorization of the pediatric Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year olds in November. The Health Department held a Winter Vaccine Event in partnership with Springfield Public Schools and Community Foundation of the Ozarks on Nov. 20 and administered nearly one thousand vaccines over the course of the day.

As December begins, COVID-19 cases are starting to rise. The 7-day rolling average of daily cases was up to 57.6 on Nov. 30, up from 35.6 on Oct. 31. 300 cases have been reported since Monday, indicating a possible post-Thanksgiving surge. With an unvaccinated rate of 51% in Greene County, this surge is a concerning uptick as the holiday season continues. Getting vaccinated, tested, or receiving a booster prior to travelling or hosting friends and family is an important step in keeping our cases from continuing to surge.

The Health Department continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated.  Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains the best way to protect oneself and others from getting sick with COVID-19. You can book your COVID-19 vaccination appointment by visiting vaccine417.com.

If residents have already been vaccinated, it is now strongly recommended to receive a booster 6 months after becoming fully vaccinated. Individuals 18 and up have the choice between Pfizer/BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, or Moderna boosters for continued protection against COVID-19. For Johnson & Johnson, it is recommended adults wait at least two months post-immunization to receive a booster.

The COVID-19 Call Center is currently taking appointments for testing and vaccinations. Appointments can be booked online at vaccine417.com, or by calling (417) 874-1211.

Data for Nov. 1 – 30 

Number of new COVID-19 cases:  

1,403 compared to 1,310 in October

Difference in seven-day average:  

The 7-day average on Nov. 30 was 57.6, up from the Nov. 1 average of 35.

Difference in hospitalizations:

91 individuals were treated for COVID-19 in Springfield hospitals on 11/30, up from 55 on Nov. 1.

COVID-19 deaths: 

4 deaths occurred in the month of November compared to 13 deaths in October

*This number represents confirmed COVID-19 deaths that occurred in November. This number could change based on delayed reports.  

Average age of death: 74.37 (all deaths), 61.25 (November deaths)

Number of vaccine doses administered among Greene County residents:

Residents who became partially vaccinated in November: 6,439 (3,939 in October)
Residents who became fully vaccinated in November: 4,364 (4,220 in October)
Total doses administered (all doses including boosters): 24,166 (16,593 in October)

Current data 

Number of hospitalizations: 