Upcoming Pfizer Vaccine Clinic at Johnson Commons
- Nov. 30, 1-3 p.m.: Make 11/30 Pfizer appointment
Please note that Nov. 30 is the last scheduled on-campus vaccine clinic. Vaccines are widely available. Those who still need one or more doses may walk-in to University Health Services weekdays between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. when the university is open to receive a vaccination. A list of local vaccine clinics is also on UM’s vaccination webpage.
To meet the Jan. 4 deadline to submit a vaccination record, faculty, staff and student employees need to receive vaccine doses by these dates:
- Moderna: first dose by Dec. 6, second dose by Jan. 3.
- Pfizer: first dose by Dec. 13, second dose by Jan. 3.
- Johnson & Johnson: single dose by Jan. 3.
On-Campus COVID-19 Testing
After the Thanksgiving holiday, the university will continue offering FREE COVID-19 testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus. Testing will be offered Monday–Friday from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday from 12 noon-4 p.m.
See more details here. To schedule your test:
- Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f
- Complete the Testing Intake Form
- You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
- Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week.
Fighting the Flu
Public health officials are urging everyone to be attentive to the rising number of influenza cases as we head into the holiday season. On campus, University Health Services has experienced an increase in patients with flu-like symptoms. The CDC recommends the following to fight flu:
- A yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Everyone 6 months or older should get an annual flu vaccine. Protect Yourself. Protect Your Family. Get Vaccinated.
- Take preventative actions every day to prevent the spread of flu viruses. Avoid close contact with sick people; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; cover your coughs; sneeze into the crook of your elbow (rather than your hands); and, wash your hands often (with soap and water).
- Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu illness and can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.
See this video for more information and how to fight the flu. Faculty, staff and students can receive a flu shot at the University Health Center weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Preparing for the Holidays
During the Thanksgiving holiday season, take extra precautions, especially if you are hosting events and/or traveling:
- Stay away from those who are ill.
- If you are sick, stay home to avoid contact with others and do not attend school, work, meetings or events.
- Clean commonly touched surfaces.
- Do not share food, utensils, drinks, lipstick or other items with others.
- If you are hosting events, remind people that they should remain home if they are sick or have any COVID-19-related symptoms. If you or others are not feeling well, cancel the gathering or do not attend.
- Consider taking a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after any gatherings, and encourage your guests to do the same.
- Do not travel if you have been exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or if you test positive for COVID-19.
Featured FAQ: Does Mississippi have Certificates of COVID-19 Vaccination? Mississippi Certificates of COVID-19 Vaccination are now available electronically through MyIR. MyIR is a free, convenient service for reviewing and printing all your family’s immunization records, including COVID-19 vaccination. Full details: https://msdh.ms.gov/myIR
News Stories and Resources
- CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots to All Adults (CDC)
- Safer Ways to Celebrate Holidays (CDC)
- Keep COVID-19 away from your holiday gathering (MSDH)
- ‘Understand that risk exists’: Experts explain how to approach the holidays (CNN)
- Welcoming family into your home for Thanksgiving? Here’s how to keep COVID out (NPR)
- Gratefulness is possible, even in a pandemic (UMMC News)
COVID-19 Data
- MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Nov. 22):
- 265 new cases, 13 new deaths and 21 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
- Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Nov. 23):
- 3,180,453 total doses administered; 1,593,926 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,401,862 people fully vaccinated.
- Lafayette County: 62,676 Total Doses Administered; 27,614 People Fully Vaccinated, 51% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
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