First Lady Jill Biden visits Mississippi to help grow the state's coronavirus vaccination rate

On the campus of Jackson State University, First Lady Jill Biden is visiting with students and young teens getting their coronavirus vaccinations.

The campus has hosted several vaccination events since the shots became available to all qualifying residents in the state. The first lady is visiting as part of a nationwide tour to boost community participation in the vaccine. She asks all Mississippians to get the shot to protect themselves and their families. 

“And here in Mississippi, only 35% of eligible people have been vaccinated. And that’s just not enough. That’s why I wanted to come here today," said the first lady to a crowd of state leaders, students, and members of the press. "The president and I, we care about you. We care about the people of Mississippi. We want them to be safe. We want them to be healthy. So I’m here today to ask all the people who can hear my voice, who can see my face, to get your shot.”

In February, President Joe Biden set a vaccination goal of delivering at least one shot to 70 percent of adult Americans by the Fourth of July. Mississippi Second District Congressman Bennie Thompson said reaching that goal in Mississippi would be optimistic. 

“Our numbers are too low to get us there. Perhaps with the first lady coming here today we can get off the bottom, but honestly, it will take an effort on the part of everyone,” said Congressman Thompson. “We need to concentrate more on getting our citizens vaccinated.”

Officials say they are working to keep interested in the vaccines up after the first lady's departure.