With the surge in COVID-19 infections and severe shortage of hospital beds in our state, the Mississippi State Department of Health urges all Mississippians to:
Be vaccinated. Vaccination is the most powerful step we can take to resume normal community life and stop unnecessary deaths.
Be tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or believe you may have been exposed.
If you are unvaccinated, wear a mask whenever you are indoors, away from home.
If you are over 65, or have a chronic illness, avoid all large indoor gatherings, even if you are vaccinated.
Vaccination benefits us even if we have already had COVID-19. Most COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are now among unvaccinated Mississippians.
Free COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals age 12 and older are available at all county health departments throughout the State of Mississippi during their normal days of operations. Schedule a free vaccination ahead of time for quicker service (at www.covidvaccine.umc.edu) or make an appointment when you arrive. Same-day appointments are usually available. Vaccinations are also available from many local pharmacies and healthcare providers. Additional information is available on the MS State Dept. of Health website. A parent or guardian must accompany minors, ages 12 to 17, to their vaccination.
Want to hold a vaccination event? MSDH will assist businesses, organizations, cities, groups or individuals interested in holding a COVID-19 vaccination event in their community. Call the COVID-19 Hotline for more details: 877-978-6453. A vaccination event will be held at Mt. Olive M.B. Church on Saturday, August 28. Click here for additional details.
If you are homebound and need assistance getting your COVID-19 vaccination, send an e-mail to COVIDhomebound@msdh.ms.gov or call the Hotline at 877-978-6453.
If you test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, ask your doctor about monoclonal antibody treatment right away. Your body naturally makes antibodies to fight infection. However, your body may not have antibodies designed to recognize a new virus like the one that causes COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies, or mAbs, are made in a laboratory to fight a particular infection, based on natural antibodies against COVID-19. mAb treatment may lower your risk for severe symptoms or hospitalization from COVID-19. A list of Contacts for mAb referral can be found on the MSDH website.
Third Vaccination Doses (boosters): Certain medical conditions such as cancer treatment or organ transplants can mean that your immune system is less effective. An additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine may provide added protection if your doctor finds it necessary.
If you have a medical condition that may affect your immune system, consult a physician or medical provider. They can evaluate your health and risk factors and determine whether a third vaccine dose or booster may benefit you.
If your medical provider decides that you need a third vaccine dose, they will administer it to you. MSDH does not provide additional or booster vaccine doses.
Who should not be vaccinated: If you have had severe reactions from previous vaccines or injectable medications, please consult with your doctor or a private medical provider about vaccination. They may advise against vaccination.
