Local public health officials are pleased with the progress of the vaccine, indicating as more people get vaccinated, interest is declining.

DeWitt/Piatt Bi-County Public Health Department Director Dave Remmert expressed his pleasure with the rollout of the vaccine locally and the enormous effort from his staff and the community to make it successful.

Now, not only can anyone in the age range of the vaccines get a vaccine when they're ready, but they can also get any of the three approved vaccines. Remmert says it's as easy as calling the office in Clinton or Monticello to get an appointment set up.

Now that ages 12-16 have been approved for the vaccine, Remmert says they are beginning to offer clinics for kids in that age group. He also points out there is a percent of the population in both counties are now fully vaccinated.

Remmert indicates the demand for school-aged kids to get the vaccine was not as significant as he had anticipated. He believes there could be a few factors at play but mostly believes parents are likely taking advantage of the vaccine availability at businesses like Walgreens and other places.

Remmert continues to advocate for the vaccine. He does recognize the personal decision this is and reinforced his gratification that they have vaccinated a majority of the most vulnerable populations locally.