By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department noted that the vaccination rate in the county is still going up, but its still under 40%.
"We're at a vaccination rate of 39.09% of residents receiving at least one dose of vaccine," Hammersmith said. "We have 24,412 actual residents receiving at least one dose of vaccine."
Hammersmith is encouraged by the numbers of young recipients of the Pfizer vaccine, according to the data.
"We've pushed it out to those that are 12 to 15," Hammersmith said. "That started on May 10 when the FDA approved that. We've given 215 kiddos in that 12 to 14 range at least one dose."
That's the total doses given in the county. The Health Department has given 59 doses out of their supply.
"We'd really like to hit that age group a little bit more as well as those going off to college," Hammersmith said. "Also, those coming in to college, if they are going to Hutch Juco."
The Health Department plans a couple of Saturday opportunities between now and the start of school. They will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on July 24 and August 14.