Editor’s Note: We are sharing this abbreviated version of the COVID-19 newsletter to provide an update on recent developments relevant for the university community. The regular issues of the newsletter will resume Jan. 20, 2021.
UM Vaccine Update
The university has formed a Vaccine Distribution and Administration Task Force and established a vaccination information page on the COVID-19 site with latest updates, FAQs and resources.
Recent Mississippi Developments
The State of Mississippi is following a phased approach to prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations. As the state receives its COVID-19 vaccine allocations, the MS State Department of Health will be providing COVID-19 vaccinations based on the current phase(s). Each phase balances the protection of those most at risk from COVID-19 with the protection of those who maintain essential functions of the community such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, food supply and transportation.
The state of Mississippi is currently giving COVID-19 immunizations at MSDH COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the state for the following:
- All Healthcare Workers and EMT / paramedics
- Persons age 75 and older
Individuals from these groups are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment through the MSDH COVID-19 Vaccination Drive Through Scheduler application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of vaccine rollout in Mississippi?
Currently, the Mississippi State Department of Health vaccine rollout is in Phase 1a, which includes all healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents.
- Health departments across the state are allowing healthcare providers to sign up for drive-thru vaccinations.
- They are also vaccinating all long-term care facility residents with the help of pharmacies.
- Beginning January 6, 2021, persons 75 years of age and older will be able to schedule appointments at MSDH COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the state.
- Dr. Thomas Dobbs, the state health officer, announced on Jan. 4, 2021, that they are working to allow Phase 1b to have access to the drive-thru sites in the coming weeks, which according to the phased rollout, University of Mississippi faculty and staff would qualify for.
Will the University of Mississippi serve as a vaccination site?
The university has signed up as a vaccination site, and as soon as we are given the greenlight to start receiving the vaccine, we will begin administering to our population via Operation Immunization like we do for flu each year. A Vaccine Distribution and Administration Task Force has been formed to handle the logistics.
How will the campus be notified of vaccine updates and availability?
Any updates or new information will be pushed out through normal UM communications including the COVID-19 weekly newsletter. You can also check out the vaccine information page dedicated to our vaccine rollout plan. As with everything during the pandemic, information is constantly and rapidly changing, and we are doing our best to adapt and keep our community informed.