SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — One Missouri hospital official is telling anyone making disparaging remarks about the COVID-19 vaccine to “Shut up” as state officials ask for federal help dealing with a surge in cases that has some counties urging new precautions.

The delta variant, first identified India, combined with deep-seated vaccine resistance has fueled the spike in cases that is straining hospitals, particularly in the Springfield area.

State data shows that 44.6% of residents have received at least one shot, far short of the 54.7% rate nationally.

And in more than 60 Missouri counties, less than 30% of the population had received their first shot, according to state data. Missouri health officials are asking for federal help from newly formed surge response teams.

32% symptomatic pos. rate, very concerning! (From 4%) 4 pediatric Covid inpatients yesterday. Age…a few weeks old to 18 y/o

If you are making wildly disparaging comments about the vaccine, and have no public health expertise, you may be responsible for someone’s death. Shut up. pic.twitter.com/TqkNbZKsYE

— Steve Edwards (@SDECoxHealth) July 1, 2021