Vaccine capacity expands as Riverside site named state vaccination clinic

With COVID-19 vaccination availability increasing all over the country, the Platte County Health Department announced all residents over the age of 16 are now eligible for shots.

The health department’s vaccine site in Riverside has been named as a statewide facility, allowing all Missouri residents to receive shots there – barring the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, as those vaccinations have been halted due to adverse reactions across the country.

Residents must register through the Missouri Vaccine Navigator and have been issued a patient identification number. Regular appointments and walk-in appointments will both be accepted at varying times, with walk-ins accepted during the last hour of the day, dependent upon vaccine availability. Register at mostopscovid.com or call (877) 435-8411. This week, Pfizer first and second doses will be given on Thursday and Friday, respectively. The Missouri National Guard will coordinate the Friday event.

Last week, Platte County commissioners released a statement on the broadening of vaccine availability in Platte County.

Sheriff Mark Owen reported to the county commission on Monday, April 5 on the success of the mass vaccination site, with commissioner Joe Vanover stating in the release that commissioners approved Owen’s plan to spend up to $250,000 in federal CARES funds so the emergency management department could assist with logistics, traffic control, volunteers and other aspects of the mass vaccine site.

Vanover said he is scheduled to receive the vaccine himself on Thursday, April 15.

“Now that the vaccine is available to regular people, I encourage everyone to get it,” Vanover said. “I have had many friends and family receive the vaccine over the last several weeks. I look forward to receiving my first dose on April 15.”

The Platte County site is located at 4400 NW 41st Street, Suite 300, Riverside.