State Health officials urge people to get vaccinated

The state Department of Health and the state’s three major healthcare providers- Avera, Monument and Sanford Health – joined together Tuesday to encourage state residents who haven’t done so yet, to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Dr. Mike Wilde with Sanford Health said the vaccines are working.

Dr. David Erickson with Avera Health said the COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

State Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon said we have not yet reached the “herd immunity” threshold.

Currently, COVID-19 vaccinations in South Dakota are open to anyone age 16 years and older. Vaccinations are provided at no cost.