State Health officials urge residents to get vaccinated

The state Department of Health continues to encourage people to get their COVID-19 vaccination.  In a conference call Wednesday, state Health Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon said that 54-percent of those 16-years-old and older had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 44-percent had been fully vaccinated.  She said that vaccines are how we start to end this pandemic.

Malsam-Rysdon encourages those who are hesitant to get the vaccine to get information from reliable sources.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton said that there have been 198 people in the state who were fully vaccinated who had breakthrough infections.  

Malsam-Rysdon said that testing continues to be a critical component .

Malsam-Rysdon said that she is optimistic that residents will make the right decision and continue to get vaccinated.  More information on how or where to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can be found on the state’s website – covid.sd.gov.