Entering winter, data show Mississippi is among the least-vaccinated against respiratory illness

by

Michael McEwen

• Published on December 6, 2023 • Last modified on December 8, 2023 • Comments

Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, receives a flu vaccine from Nurse Practitioner Whitney Goggans at the Atlanta Press Club, where Cohen spoke about health issues, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, in Atlanta. Cohen says the U.S. is in “our strongest position yet” to avoid another chaotic respiratory season. “There will be a lot of virus this winter. That’s why we want to get ahead of it.”
AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File

Cases of respiratory illnesses are rising across the country as the winter season increases the risk of transmission. But Mississippi is one of the states with the lowest flu and COVID vaccine coverage in the country.

Michael McEwen

Entering winter, data shows Mississippi is among the least-vaccinated against respiratory illness

Filer image — Respiratory Illness Activity Level
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Nearly six percent of emergency department visits in Mississippi are related to viral respiratory illness, like flu, COVID and RSV, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Only seven states - most of them in the Southeast - are currently under the CDC's classification of 'high' respiratory illness activity.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the CDC, says this rise is paired with a drop in vaccination rates this flu season.

"What we know is that there are a number of viruses circulating," explains Dr. Cohen. "But we also have tools to protect ourselves. While flu activity is increasing, unfortunately, we're seeing too few folks in Mississippi get vaccinated and get that updated flu shot to protect themselves. And we're hoping more can do that before the Christmas holiday."

Cohen adds Mississippi is among the five lowest states in the country for adults receiving the Flu vaccination.