RICHMOND – Drive-through COVID-19 vaccinations took place May 19 at the Ray County Fairgrounds.

The Richmond Fire Department provided staff, including Cody Oliphant, to assist with monitoring those who received the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.

“He’s making sure I don’t leave early,” Jerry McGraw said while waiting the customary 15 minutes after getting a shot to make sure he had no adverse reactions.

Ray County Health Department personnel administered the shots.

“We had a rush around 8:45 (a.m.),” department Administrator Shelby Spor said.

By 10 a.m., the number of people getting shots had slowed to a trickle – not surprisingly, considering that 40% of Missourians already had received at least one dose of vaccine.

In addition, a national survey released May 14 found 25% of Missourians said they will not get vaccinated, leaving 30% unaccounted for at this time.

Gov. Mike Parson recognized high interest in urban centers in getting vaccinated. He said the state will work to hold more …