Reminder to Get Your Seasonal Vaccinations

Jackson, Miss. — If you haven't received your seasonal vaccinations yet, it's not too late. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is encouraging everyone to get appropriate updated vaccinations, your best defense against several highly contagious viruses that could lead to hospitalization and death. We are more susceptible to respiratory viruses – including pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 – during the fall and winter.

Cases of pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious breathing problems and life-threatening complications, especially in babies, have dramatically increased this year in Mississippi. So far this year, there have been 130 cases, more than Mississippi has seen over the last 15 years; 67 percent of those hospitalized were not vaccinated. Children ages 5-17 have been most impacted.

Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against pertussis and is recommended for everyone. DTaP is recommended for younger children, while Tdap is recommended for older children, pregnant women and adults. Infants should receive DTaP vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months followed by two booster doses at 15 to 18 months and at 4 to 6 years. Pre-teens should receive a single dose of Tdap at 11 to 12 years to boost their immunity.

Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get updated flu and COVID vaccines each season. Protection against RSV is recommended for babies and older adults.

MSDH recently launched the “Protect & Prepare: A Grandparent's Guide” campaign to educate all caregivers of infants of the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations because they can unknowingly pass viruses onto infants, who are more susceptible to complications including death. Since childcare workers care for this vulnerable population, they should also be vaccinated to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases to infants and young children.

Vaccinations are currently available through primary care physicians, clinics and pharmacies around the state. Your healthcare provider can determine the number and type of doses for your age to provide the best protection. MSDH County Health Departments offer free vaccinations for those whose insurance does not cover it. Call (855) 767-0170 for more information or to schedule an appointment.