This time we're not tipping our hat for the notoriety that the Show-Me State is getting. It concerns the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, and unfortunately Missouri is at the top of the pack of new cases, and the low number of vaccinations.

In a story on kansascity.com, this is what's alarming health officials, and not just the ones from Missouri. The National Institutes of Health Director, Dr. Francis Collins, is concerned:

“When I look at the map Missouri actually jumps out as the place that I’m most worried about because there’s a lot of cases now happening very rapidly”

If you look at the statistics Missouri is raising eyebrows as the COVID-19 delta variant increases. It's more the rural areas of the state where you see large jumps in the numbers of new COVID cases. In fact, in regards to vaccinations, Pulaski County, approximately 328 miles from Pettis County, is one of the counties with the lowest number of people receiving their first dose of the vaccine.

But here's something you should think about. Even though a lot folks in the rural areas think they are impervious to catching this virus, COVID-19 is like cancer. It doesn't care what color you are, how much money you make  or if you live in the city or in the country. That's why you keep seeing and hearing the push for people to get vaccinated.

This isn't a game to see who can hold out the longest from getting vaccinated. According to the article at kansascity.com, Dr. Collins goes on to say:

“This is a variant, this delta variant, that’s highly contagious. And so as it starts to spread, anybody who’s not vaccinated is in a danger zone… The chances of getting infected in Missouri are getting really high and that means potentially serious illness or even death”

I imagine you want to grow older, and experience more time on this earth with your loved ones with your health the best it can be for you. I got both vaccinations. You do the same. We want you around for a good, long time.

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

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