The first batch of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Audrain County this week. One of the first to receive a dose was Dr. Simon McKeown, who took the shot on Wednesday morning.

McKeown serves as both medical director for the Audrain County Health Department and the SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Urgent Care clinic. He notes that in his position he not only sees those who have tested positive for COVID-19, but also works with the elderly and others vulnerable to the virus.

“I encounter COVID-positive patients daily,” McKeown said. “Today is my 144th shift at work since the pandemic began.”

The number of cases in Audrain County soared after the Thanksgiving holiday, as did the toll of those who died from the virus. As of Wednesday the ACHD counted 179 active cases, not including those at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center. Of these, 153 were in the city of Mexico.

And as of Wednesday, 28 deaths had been related to COVID-19.

The FDA approved Pfizer’s vaccine last week. Missouri was allocated over 220,000 doses to arrive by Christmas. The first delivery of 51,000 doses went to sites that met the vaccine’s required 94 degrees below zero storage temperature.

Missouri is slated to receive 105,300 doses of the Moderna vaccine in an initial shipment, once it receives approval.

Those working in health care are among the first to receive the shots. When the Moderna vaccine becomes available, 70,000 doses will go to the residents of long term care facilities. Almost half of COVID-related deaths in the state have occurred in nursing homes.

McKeown said SSM’s urgent care clinic had diagnosed and treated 176 COVID 19 cases as of Wednesday morning. He said the vaccine will help prevent him from becoming infected and potentially spreading the virus to patients, friends and family.

“I will continue to use personal protective equipment and take all the precautions necessary, but this is another way of ensuring that I don't get other people sick,” he said.

Dr. Randall Williams of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported that some 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be available to state residents by February.

The state has divided the vaccination campaign into three phases. In the first, healthcare workers, long term care facility residents and staff, followed by high risk individuals, first responders and others deemed essential will receive treatment. Phase two shots go to those who face heightened risk, such as prison inmates and the homeless. All others in the state are grouped into phase three.

“I would urge anyone who has the opportunity to receive one of the COVID vaccines to do it,” McKeown said. “These vaccines cannot give you the disease, and they have been proven to be safe and effective.”

McKeown explained that he would require a second dose, to be administered on Jan. 6, 2021.

Four vaccines are currently in large scale clinical trials in the U.S. Three of these involve two doses.

“The pandemic is not over, and we should all continue to follow the guidance of our public health and community leaders, in wearing masks, washing hands, and socially distancing,” McKeown pointed out. “The vaccine is one more way to help keep our vulnerable people safe.”