Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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All University Employees Required to be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 by Dec. 8
The university announced this week that all faculty, staff and student employees must get vaccinated in order to comply with the terms of an Executive Order issued by President Biden on “Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.”
The order requires all federal contractors, such as the university, to comply with the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force’s “COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors.” The task force guidance requires all employees, including graduate and undergraduate student employees, working on or in connection with a federal contract to be vaccinated, and also requires all employees working in a covered contractor workplace to be vaccinated. The definition of the covered contractor workplace as outlined in the task force guidance is broad and covers all buildings and spaces on campus.
Please note that this vaccination requirement is a condition of employment at the university, not a condition of enrollment. If you are a student who is not employed by the university, you are not required to be vaccinated. For those wishing to request an accommodation, instructions for employees to submit this information electronically will be shared no later than Monday, Nov. 1.
For additional information:
More COVID-19 On-Campus Vaccine Clinics Scheduled
The university will host more on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics for UM employees and students to receive first, second, third and booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Here is the schedule for Pfizer vaccine clinics to be held at Johnson Commons and related appointment sign-up links:
COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Update
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will allow people to “mix and match” vaccine types when seeking a COVID-19 booster shot. Individuals can now receive a COVID-19 booster dose produced by a different manufacturer than the provider of their initial vaccine.

  • CDC now recommends that certain people are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, including those who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. Get more information and read CDC’s media statement.
  • UM employees who received their second dose of Pfizer six months ago or more are eligible for a Pfizer booster dose. For additional details about eligibility, see MSDH recommendations.
COVID-19 Testing
On Campus, 6 days a week
The university continues to offer FREE COVID-19 testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m. and this Saturday, 12 noon-4 p.m. See the full schedule and more details here. To schedule your test:
  1. Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f
  2. Complete the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week. 
Additionally, University Health Center continues to offer COVID testing on campus. Call Student Health at (662) 915-7274 or Employee Health at (662) 915-6550 to schedule a test. 
Oxford/Lafayette County
MSDH offers FREE testing at the Oxford Conference Center Monday through Friday. More info and available appointments are here. Or, you can see this list of clinics around town that offer COVID testing.
Featured FAQ: Can I receive a Pfizer booster dose if I initially got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
The FDA has expanded the use of booster doses of COVID-19 of vaccine to eligible individuals to include Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccine in certain persons and to allow for heterologous (mix and match) dosing for booster doses. The CDC has endorsed the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine, which align with the updated FDA authorizations.  Please see the MSDH Health Alert Message for specifics.
If you received your last dose of Moderna six months ago or longer, or a dose of Johnson & Johnson two months ago or longer, and you are currently eligible for a booster shot under MSDH guidelines, you may receive a Pfizer booster dose at an on-campus clinic or the University Health Center. 
News Stories and Resources
COVID-19 Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Oct. 26):
    • 344 new cases, 2 new deaths and 25 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Oct. 27):
    • 2,973,252 total doses administered; 1,542,370 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,370,257 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 59,202 Total Doses Administered; 27,168 People Fully Vaccinated, 50% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
  • UMMC COVID-19 Patient Status (as of 10/27)
  • COVID-19 Patients, Oxford/Lafayette County (as of 10/25)
Quick Links

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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Faculty and Staff Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
UM employees who received their second dose of Pfizer six months ago or more (second dose of Pfizer on April 26 or earlier) are eligible for a Pfizer booster dose. For additional details about eligibility, see MSDH recommendations.
Where to Get COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
  • Eligible individuals can receive a COVID-19 booster dose at the University Health Center or any of the on-campus vaccine clinics scheduled for Oct. 26; Nov. 2, 9, and 30. Please use this link to register for a time on Oct. 26 to receive a Pfizer dose. Links to register for time slots for November clinics will be shared at a later date.
  • Booster doses are also available from county health departments. Use the online scheduler or call the Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline at 877-978-6453 for assistance
  • Check with your doctor, pharmacy, or other vaccination provider about getting a COVID-19 booster dose. Find a vaccination provider.
COVID-19 Vaccine on Campus
To date, the university has administered 6,836 vaccine doses on campus. There are additional vaccine clinics being offered at Johnson Commons for the FREE FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 and up will be held. All clinics will offer the first, second, third and booster Pfizer dose.
  • Oct. 26 — 1-3 p.m. (Please use this link to register for a time on Oct. 26 to receive a Pfizer dose.)
  • Nov. 2, 9, and 30 — 1-3 p.m. (Links to register for time slots for November clinics will be shared at a later date.)
COVID-19 Testing
On Campus
The university continues to offer FREE COVID-19 testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m. and this Sunday, 12 noon-4 p.m. See the full schedule and more details here. To schedule your test:
  1. Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f
  2. Complete the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week.
See results from University-Oxford Depot testing.
Additionally, University Health Center continues to offer COVID testing on campus. Call Student Health at (662) 915-7274 or Employee Health at (662) 915-6550 to schedule a test.
Oxford/Lafayette County
MSDH offers FREE testing at the Oxford Conference Center Monday through Friday. More info and available appointments are here. Or, you can see this list of clinics around town that offer COVID testing.
Featured FAQ: Is the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (often called the “Pfizer vaccine”) being distributed on campus FDA approved?
Yes, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (often called the “Pfizer vaccine”) being distributed on campus is FDA approved. We understand there has been some confusion regarding the Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) name change. According to the CDC, there has been no change in the formulation of the vaccine since the name change. COMIRNATY is the brand name for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on August 23, 2021, for individuals 16 years of age and older. Once vaccines are approved by the FDA, companies can market the vaccines under brand names. Now that the FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by the FDA for individuals 16 years of age and older, it will be marketed as COMIRNATY. See this FDA letter for additional information.
News Stories and Resources
  1. Pfizer’s Covid vaccine 93% effective at preventing teen hospitalizations, CDC study finds (Forbes)
  2. The U.S. will reopen its land borders for fully vaccinated travelers (NYT)
  3. FDA panel recommends Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine booster for some Americans (WAPT)
  4. Still using cloth masks? It’s time to switch to surgical — here’s why (CNBC)
  5. Is my immunity waning? Doctors advise Pfizer vaccine recipients not to worry (CNN)
  6. Q&A with CDC director Rochelle Walensky (Mississippi Today)
  7. Mix-and-match COVID boosters: Why they just might work (NYT)
  8. White House rolls out plan to quickly immunize kids age 5 to 11 against Covid (CNBC)
  9. UMMC Grenada takes COVID-19 vaccine on the road
COVID-19 Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Oct. 19):
    • 448 new cases, 11 new deaths and 35 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Oct. 20):
    • 2,928,993 total doses administered; 1,532,437 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,358,499 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 58,453 Total Doses Administered; 27,023 People Fully Vaccinated, 50% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
  • UMMC COVID-19 Patient Status (as of 10/20)
  • COVID-19 Patients, Oxford/Lafayette County (as of 10/20)
Quick Links

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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Current Campus Protocols
Visit this page to view the status of campus COVID-19 protocols, including the university’s current requirement for face coverings in indoor public spaces on campus as an added layer of public health precaution.   
Where to Get COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
  • Eligible individuals can receive a COVID-19 booster dose at the University Health Center or any of the on-campus vaccine clinics scheduled for Oct. 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, and 30.
  • Booster doses are also available from county health departments. Use the online scheduler or call the Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline at 877-978-6453 for assistance.
  • Check with your doctor, pharmacy, or other vaccination provider about getting a COVID-19 booster dose. Find a vaccination provider.
Current Eligibility for Booster Dose of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), a single booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for certain groups who already received two doses of Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Note that university faculty and staff are included under the “education staff” group.
  • Long-term care facility residents
  • Adults aged 65 years and older
  • Adults aged 18 and older with certain underlying medical conditions
  • Adults aged 18 and older in certain occupations that increase their risk of exposure:
    • First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
    • Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
    • Food and agriculture workers
    • Manufacturing workers
    • Corrections workers
    • U.S. Postal Service workers
    • Public transit workers
    • Grocery store workers
COVID-19 Vaccine on Campus
Upcoming vaccine clinics administering the FREE FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 and up will be held at Johnson Commons. All clinics will offer the first, second, third and booster Pfizer dose. 
  • Oct. 19 and 26 — 1-3 p.m. 
  • Nov. 2, 9, and 30 — 1-3 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccine Site, Oxford Park Commission
TrustCare Health has partnered with the City of Oxford to organize an onsite Community Vaccine Drive at the Oxford Park Commission (formerly the Parks Admin Building) at 310 S. 15th St. Vaccines are offered each Sunday, 10am-3pm and each Monday and Tuesday, 3-8pm.  Schedule an appointment.
COVID-19 Testing
On Campus
FREE COVID-19 testing is offered for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m. and this Sunday, 12 noon-4 p.m. See the full schedule and 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. 
See results from University-Oxford Depot testing.
Additionally, University Health Center continues to offer COVID testing on campus. Call Student Health at (662) 915-7274 or Employee Health at (662) 915-6550 to schedule a test. 
Oxford/Lafayette County
MSDH offers FREE testing at the Oxford Conference Center Monday through Friday. More info and available appointments are here. Or, you can see this list of clinics around town that offer COVID testing.
Flu Shots on Campus
  • Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., The Pavilion
The cost is $40 and can be billed to most insurance plans as university students, faculty, and staff should bring their Ole Miss ID and prescription insurance card. Costs not covered by insurance can be charged to Bursar accounts.
Featured FAQ: Can I interchange vaccines and get a different booster than my original two-dose vaccine?  
At this time, COVID-19 vaccines are not considered to be interchangeable. A booster dose should be produced by the same provider as the primary vaccine series.
News Stories and Resources
COVID-19 Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Oct. 12):
    • 719 new cases, 26 new deaths and 56 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Oct. 13):
    • 2,888,686 total doses administered; 1,520,858 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,344,413 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 57,596 Total Doses Administered; 26,902 People Fully Vaccinated, 50% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
  • UMMC COVID-19 Patient Status (as of 10/13)
  • COVID-19 Patients, Oxford/Lafayette County (as of 10/13)
Quick Links

Wednesday, October 06, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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Where to Get COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
Current Eligibility for Booster Dose of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), a single booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for certain groups who already received two doses of Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.
  • Long-term care facility residents
  • Adults aged 65 years and older
  • Adults aged 18 and older with certain underlying medical conditions
  • Adults aged 18 and older in certain occupations that increase their risk of exposure:
    • First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
    • Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
    • Food and agriculture workers
    • Manufacturing workers
    • Corrections workers
    • U.S. Postal Service workers
    • Public transit workers Grocery store workers
Underlying Medical Conditions to Consider for a Booster Dose of Pfizer
Underlying medical conditions to consider for a booster dose of Pfizer (determined by medical provider):
  • Chronic kidney disease,
  • Chronic lung diseases (COPD, asthma, etc),
  • Dementia or other neurological conditions,
  • Diabetes (type 1 or 2),
  • Down syndrome,
  • Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies),
  • Hypertension,
  • Liver Disease,
  • Overweight (defined as a body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 but < 30 kg/m2), obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2 but < 40 kg/m2), or severe obesity (BMI of ≥40 kg/m2),
  • Pregnancy,
  • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia,
  • Smoking (current or former),
  • Stroke,
  • Substance abuse disorders, and
  • Other medical conditions determined by the medical provider (see CDC reference Underlying Medical Conditions for Clinicians (cdc.gov)
UM COVID-19 Testing / University-Oxford Depot Site Results
See this page for results from COVID-19 testing (PCR COVID-19 test) for students, faculty, and staff at University-Oxford Depot where symptomatic and asymptomatic testing is offered.
On-Campus Options for COVID-19 Testing
FREE COVID-19 testing is offered for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m. and this Sunday, 12 noon-4 p.m. See the full schedule and 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. 
The University Health Center offers COVID testing on campus. Call Student Health at (662) 915-7274 or Employee Health at (662) 915-6550 to schedule a test. 
Oxford/Lafayette County Options for COVID-19 Testing
MSDH offers FREE testing at the Oxford Conference Center Monday through Friday. More info and available appointments are here. Or, you can see this list of clinics around town that offer COVID testing.
COVID-19 Vaccine on Campus
Upcoming vaccine clinics administering the FREE FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 and up will be held at Johnson Commons. All clinics will offer the first or second Pfizer dose. No appointment needed – simply stop by between 1-3 p.m. on any of the following dates:
  • Oct. 12, (free Apple AirTag for those getting a vaccine dose on this day, while supplies last)
  • Oct. 19 and 26 
  • Nov. 2, 9, and 30
Flu Shots on Campus
  • Oct. 12, 1–4 p.m., Galtney-Lott Plaza
  • Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., The Pavilion
The cost is $40 and can be billed to most insurance plans as university students, faculty, and staff should bring their Ole Miss ID and prescription insurance card. Costs not covered by insurance can be charged to Bursar accounts.
Featured FAQ: What should people who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) vaccine do about a booster vaccine?
According to the CDC, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC’s recommendations are bound by what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization allows. At this time, the Pfizer-BioNTech booster authorization only applies to people whose primary series was Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. People in the recommended groups who got the Moderna or J&J/Janssen vaccine will likely need a booster shot. More data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and J&J/Janssen booster shots are expected soon. With those data in hand, CDC will keep the public informed with a timely plan for Moderna and J&J/Janssen booster shots.
News Stories and Resources
COVID-19 Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of Oct. 5:
    • 834 new cases, 19 new deaths and 63 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report as of Oct. 6:
    • 2,842,921 total doses administered; 1,508,925 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,328,703 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 56,680 Total Doses Administered; 26,701 People Fully Vaccinated, 49% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
  • UMMC COVID-19 Patient Status (as of 10/6)
  • COVID-19 Patients, Oxford/Lafayette County (as of 10/5)
Quick Links

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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About Booster Dose of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) issued updated recommendations for the use of COVID-19 vaccines and highlighted several priorities, including recommendations for booster doses in defined groups. This public health guidance is interim and will be updated as additional guidance from CDC is provided.
A single booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for certain populations at least six months after completion of the primary two-dose Pfizer series. The booster dose is currently limited to those individuals who received Pfizer as the primary two-dose series.
MSDH recommends:
  • As a priority group, individuals aged 65 years and older and residents in long-term care facilities (LTCF) should receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer primary series.
  • As a priority group, individuals aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions (see the complete list) should receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer primary series.
  • Individuals aged 18-49 with underlying medical conditions (see the complete list) may also receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer primary series.
  • Individuals aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting (see the complete list) may also receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer primary series.
See these resources for additional information:
On-Campus Options for COVID-19 Testing
FREE COVID-19 testing is offered for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m. and this Saturday, 12-4 p.m. See the full schedule and more details here. To schedule your test:
  1. Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f
  2. Complete the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week. 
The University Health Center also offers COVID testing on campus. Call Student Health at (662) 915-7274 or Employee Health at (662) 915-6550 to schedule a test. 
Oxford/Lafayette County Options for COVID-19 Testing
MSDH offers FREE testing at the Oxford Conference Center Monday through Friday. More info and available appointments are here. Or, you can see this list of clinics around town that offer COVID testing.
COVID-19 Vaccine on Campus
Upcoming vaccine clinics administering the FREE FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 and up will be held at Johnson Commons. All clinics will offer the first or second Pfizer dose. No appointment needed – simply stop by between 1-3 p.m. on any of the following dates:
  • Oct. 5, 12, 19, and 26 
  • Nov. 2, 9, and 30
Flu Shots on Campus
  • Oct. 5, 1–4 p.m., Grove Stage
  • Oct. 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Student Union patio
  • Oct. 12, 1–4 p.m., Galtney-Lott Plaza
  • Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., The Pavilion
The cost is $40 and can be billed to most insurance plans as university students, faculty, and staff should bring their Ole Miss ID and prescription insurance card. Costs not covered by insurance can be charged to Bursar accounts.
Featured FAQ: What is the difference between an “additional dose (third dose)” and a “booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine?”
According to MSDH, individuals with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and may not mount the same immune response to the two-dose vaccine primary series compared to people who are not immunocompromised. Therefore, an additional dose (or third dose in the primary series) to the two-dose mRNA vaccine series is recommended at least four weeks after completion of the primary series.
A COVID-19 booster dose is given to provide additional immunity after the initial immune response to the primary two-dose series of vaccine has waned over time. This will help maintain (or even boost) immunity for longer time periods and provide additional protection. The COVID-19 booster dose is recommended only for certain populations that are at least six months past completion of the two-dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series.
News Stories and Resources
MSDH Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of Sept. 28:
    • 1,098 new cases, 50 new deaths and 85 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report as of Sept. 29:
    • 2,802,665 total doses administered; 1,501,275 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,312,534 people fully vaccinated.
Quick Links