Anyone 50 and up can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Mississippi, Reeves says
Gov. Tate Reeves on Thursday expanded the number of people in Mississippi eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, adding anyone ages 50 and up.
Previously, the ages 65 and up were considered eligible. Also included in the eligible group are teachers, first responders, emergency management officials and anyone 16 and up with pre-existing conditions that make them susceptible to more severe symptoms of the coronavirus.
“So far, about 350,000 persons aged 50 years and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the state. We are expanding our eligibility to this age group to increase the access to vaccination in this vulnerable population and prevent hospitalizations and deaths,” MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said in a statement.
Here are all the eligible groups:
- All persons aged 50 years and older.
- All teachers/staff/employees in K-12, preschool or childcare settings.
- All first responders (including law enforcement, public safety, fire services and emergency management officials)
- All healthcare personnel.
- Persons aged 16-49 years with underlying medical conditions, as follows: cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Down syndrome, heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies), immunocompromised from solid organ transplant, obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2) or severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2), pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, diabetes, or other medical conditions determined by the medical provider.
Most vaccinations in the state are done through the Mississippi State Department of Health’s drive-thru sites across the state.
Appointments can be made at covidvaccine.umc.edu or by calling 877-978-6453.
The total number of people who have received at least one vaccine shot in Mississippi is 429,557 — about 14.5% of the state’s population.
This story was originally published March 4, 2021 at 11:10 AM.
