Newly formulated COVID-19 vaccine boosters designed to stave off recent variants of the virus are available for free at county health departments, Mississippi State Department of Health officials said.
The boosters were made available starting Tuesday, and are also available at pharmacies and private care clinics, state health officials said.
The shots are recommended for anyone 12 and older who has been vaccinated or received a booster for at least two months.
“We strongly recommend that anyone eligible should go ahead and receive the updated booster now to provide the best protection against COVID-19 infection and severe complications from COVID-19,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.
“There is always the possibility of increased cases as we move into the fall and winter months. Don’t wait to protect yourself.”
The bivalent boostersuse half of the original vaccine designed to fight COVID-19 and half of a new formula designed to protect against its variants, particularly the Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
State health officials recommend vaccinations for everyone 6 and older, and they stress adults 65 and older, children and adults with weakened immune systems, and anyone with underlying health problems get the shot.
Anyone getting the booster shot needs to bring their vaccination card with them, officials said. To make an appointment, visit https://covidvaccine.umc.edu or call (877) 978-6453.
