Congressman Cleaver Highlights New Tools Making It Easier to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) highlighted new tools from the White House making it easier for Missouri residents to get vaccinated near them. Missourians sixteen years and older can now input their ZIP code at www.vaccines.gov or www.vacunas.gov or text their ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) or VACUNA (822862) to get help making a vaccine appointment at a nearby location.

"Thanks to the American Rescue Plan and these new tools from the Biden administration, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is easier than ever," said Congressman Cleaver. "Medical professionals have been clear in stating that the best way to protect our families and communities and safely return to the activities we miss so dearly is to ensure an overwhelming majority of Missourians get vaccinated. Now that every Missourian sixteen and older is eligible, I highly encourage those who haven't received their vaccine to talk to their doctor about the safety and importance of these vaccines, and utilize these tools to get vaccinated in a quick and easy fashion."

Public health officials are urging every eligible American to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Right now, more than 90 percent of Americans live within five miles of a vaccine site. These new vaccine tools make it quicker, more accessible, and more convenient to make an appointment to receive a COVID shot, which studies have proven to be remarkably safe and effective.

The pace of vaccination has quickly ramped up over the past three months thanks to the desperately needed resources delivered by the American Rescue Plan. As of this week, more than 105 million Americans are fully vaccinated. However, Missouri ranks in the bottom fifteen states in terms of population percentage vaccinated.

"It's important to note that while COVID cases are at their lowest level since last October, much of that is due to the hundreds of millions of Americans who have been able to receive these life-saving vaccines," said Congressman Cleaver. "I implore all Missourians to make use of these tools so that we can protect each and every community in Missouri from reliving the horrors of last winter."

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.