Mid-Missourians waiting in long lines for coronavirus vaccine

MOBERLY, Mo. (KMIZ)

With coronavirus vaccine clinics being held across Mid-Missouri on Friday, some are having to wait in long lines to get their shots.

In Mexico, about 1,000 cars were lined up for a vaccination event at the Mexico Memorial Airport. Area residents were waiting to receive one of the 2,500 vaccine doses available. They did not have to register for a shot.

The line to get a shot stretched through the airport but was moving steadily. Craig Brace, the CEO if the Audrain County Health Department, said by the afternoon 1,800 people were waiting in line.

Colonel Russell Kohl with the National Guard said people in line were getting their first dose of the vaccine.

"I can tell you from being out there and walking up and down the lines that's what we are seeing today is mostly a whole lot of folks who are really relieved to get their first dose," he said.

Those who were vaccinated today will be able to return to the Mexico Memorial Airport on Feb. 19 to receive their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

Watch a replay of an afternoon update from the Mexico clinic in the player below.

The Randolph County Health Department held a vaccination event in Rothwell Park. To receive a shot, residents had to pre-register and be included in the state's current vaccinations phase, which is up to Phase 1B Tier 2.

Cars snaked through the park for the drive-thru clinic as the event started. Area couple Kim and Marilyn Esry got in line early for Marilyn's 9:15 a.m. appointment and were still waiting 15 minutes later.

Kim Esry is a veteran and received his first dose at the Truman VA three weeks ago. He's scheduled to receive his second shot Friday afternoon. Marilyn is 76 years old and has some underlying health conditions.

For the couple, the vaccine is a step forward in getting back to life before the pandemic.

"It's important for both of us, we want some immunity to this virus," the Esrys said. "We've been stuck in our house for almost a year at this point."

Another vaccination event is being held in Sedalia on Friday -- it continues through Saturday. The Missouri National Guard teamed up with Bothwell Regional Health Center and the Pettis County Health Center to put on the clinic.

The Cole County Health Department is holding a vaccination event next week. They hope to vaccinate 2,000 people.