The Mississippi Department of Health is now offering second booster doses of coronavirus vaccines for Mississippians at an increased risk for severe outcomes. This includes people 50 years and older, or those who are at least 12 years old and have weakened immune systems. And State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says the two MRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna can be interchanged depending on availability.
Dr. Byers says “If they’re eligible for a booster, and they haven’t had a booster yet, and they’ve had a couple of doses of Moderna as their primary series. First of all, I’m hoping that people have gotten their booster by now. They can certainly get a Pfizer, and it’s not a bad idea.”
Dr. Byers says second boosters are recommended four months after getting the first booster shot.
Boosters could soon be available for children under the age of 12. Pfizer has requested authorization from the FDA to allow the doses in the 5-11 age group. Dr. Geri Weiland, Pediatrician and President of the Mississippi State Medical Association, says it could help students stay safe while participating in summer sports.
Dr. Weiland says “Now, our biggest problem is we’re just not getting the 5-11 year olds vaccinated at a very high rate, and it does need to happen. In my practice it’s an ongoing push. We try to educate and encourage, so those parents that are interested in having their children fully vaccinated will want to go ahead and get a booster and we will offer it.”
Coronavirus vaccines and booster doses can be scheduled online through the Department of Health’s website, or through a hotline.
