The latest COVID variant is in the US, but what about Mississippi?
The Centers for Disease Control, through its airport screening program, detected a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1 in late March and early April, 2025.
It’s been making headlines since The World Health Organization (WHO) announced its initial detection in China in January 2025, where it quickly fueled a spike in cases.
Since then, the CDC says cases are beginning to show up across the United States, although fewer than 20 cases have been reported nationwide. While local cases in Mississippi have not been confirmed, CBS News reports, “hospitalizations abroad have raised questions about the new variant, its symptoms and more.”
Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself safe and where to get vaccinated.
These COVID symptoms are familiar, but not necessarily worse
So far, NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants.
According to CBS, symptoms are similar to other Omicron subvariants and may include:
Sore throat
Fatigue
Fever
Mild cough
Muscle pain
Nasal congestion
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea
Vaccines are still your best defense
The CDC and Mississippi State Department of Health recommend everyone ages six months and older get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
However, following a recent decision made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, the CDC no longer recommends routine COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children or pregnant women, which Reuters reports, took effect May 27.
Getting a COVID vaccination will help target recent variants and is expected to offer protection against NB.1.8.1. Even if the new variant can partially evade immunity, vaccines will still reduce the risk of serious sickness and hospitalization.
Where can you get a COVID vaccine?
Most insurance plans cover the vaccine at no cost, but check with your provider to be sure. There are some low-cost or free options available as well.
Vaccines are available at most local CVS Pharmacies.
Many locations offer walk-in appointments, but you can also schedule online, use the CVS app or call 1-800-SHOP-CVS.
Try one of these locations:
11022 Hwy. 49, Gulfport
2424 25th Ave., Gulfport
12024 Lamey Bridge Road, D’Iberville
3867 Promenade Pkwy., D’Iberville
2190 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs
3657 Market Street, Pascagoula
The Harrison County Health Department is also a good resource for vaccinations. The Gulfport division is located at 1102 45th Ave. or you can call 228-863-1036 to check availability.
You can also find locations to administer the vaccine by visiting the Mississippi State Department of Health’s website and entering your zip code.
VA Clinics offer vaccines to Veterans enrolled in VA health care.
There are several locations that offer vaccination services:
Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System — 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS, 39531, phone: (228) 523-5000
Biloxi Vet Center — 288 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS, 39531, phone: (228) 388-9938
To find other providers, use Vaccines.gov to find additional locations by ZIP code.
Although the NB.1.8.1 variant isn’t presenting imminent danger for Mississippi, the CDC says you should still follow the recommended best steps.
Stay safe
You can stay safe by doing the following:
Stay up to date on vaccines
Monitor your health
Seek care if symptoms worsen
Be informed on the latest local updates from trusted sources.
You can follow the latest updates right here at the Biloxi Sun Herald, or email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
