POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The first mass COVID-19 vaccination site opened in Missouri on Friday in Poplar Bluff.
It's one of 27 sites that will soon be open across the state. Kansas City-area health officials do not have details on sites that will be in the metro yet, but more information should be available next week.
Gov. Mike Parson announced the Missouri National Guard is assisting the Department of Health and Senior Services and other state partners to operate sites across the state.
There will be three sites at each of the nine highway patrol regions in the state.
Poplar Bluff resident Vicki Hobbs said she was thrilled to learn her town would be one of the sites.
"It's amazing, it's wonderful, especially if I actually do get it," Hobbs said.
Hobbs said there was a long line of cars waiting for their turn to drive through the site.
Friday's Poplar Bluff location was for people in the state's Phase 1A and 1B who had to pre-register online. Hobbs said she hopes Missourians in those categories will take advantage of the other sites when they open.
"I just hope that everyone that can get the shot gets it," Hobbs said. "I know a lot of people don't want it, but there's a lot of people that do want it that can't get it right now."
The state also is working on targeted vaccination sites to provide vaccines to populations outside the reach of mass vaccination sites. Target vaccination teams will work with clergies and community leaders in the Kansas City and St. Louis regions to vaccinate vulnerable populations.
