COVID-19 vaccinations have proven to be effective at preventing severe coronavirus-related illness. However, health officials say immunocompromised residents should consider getting a booster shot to protect against the highly transmissible Delta variant State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says now is the time to talk with a doctor about getting a third dose.
“We’re gonna be having that live on our website soon that you can go through the vaccine scheduler where you can make an appointment for dose number three,” says Dr. Byers. “And it’s gonna ask you about do you have these immunocompromising conditions, and if so you’re eligible to get that vaccine and we will give it to you at the county health department.”
Recently, the FDA gave authorization for the use of booster shots, though health officials in Mississippi have allowed booster doses for longer. Dr. Byers says this added support could help get more doctors on board with recommending the third dose to their patients.
Dr. Byers says “I think what you’re gonna see is that pharmacies are gonna be offering that third dose for those immunocompromised patients. You know, like I said, certainly we’re gonna do it. I think under the circumstances now, we don’t want to put in place some additional barriers to receiving that third or additional dose for those immunocompromised people.”
If you have missed an appointment to get the second dose of a coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Byers says now is the time to get that shot.
And health officials are reminding Mississippians it is mandatory to isolate for at least 10 days after a positive COVID-19 test or face fines, imprisonment or both.
