Walmart is now scheduling appointments for coronavirus vaccines at 31 locations across Mississippi as part of a new federal partnership to reach underserved communities. The state is also working with local clinics, hospitals and health centers to improve low vaccination rates among African Americans.
African Americans account for 19% of coronavirus vaccinations in the state, an improvement, but State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says it is not enough. He says the state must continue to target underserved communities for vaccine distribution. "Some of our partners go to Black churches and do sites there where folks feel comfortable," says Dr. Dobbs. "So a combination of going to good locations where folks are comfortable, lowering barriers and making sure we're getting vaccine to physicians who have large African American patient loads is going to be a successful approach, but we're not anywhere near closing that gap."
The state's 19 drive-thru sites are vaccinating 1000 people per day says Jim Craig with the Department of Health. He says there are also two county-run drive-thru sites that have been successful, and another location in Bolivar County is beginning to schedule appointments for later this month. "Bolivar County is coming online and they'll be using the campus of Delta State University and their football stadium parking lot as their site, and so we're excited to have that county location up and running starting February the 23rd," says Craig.
Appointments for coronavirus vaccines will be available on the Department of Health's website sometime today.
