Qualifying for COVID-19 Vaccination
Mississippians Age 16 and Older Are Eligible for Vaccination
If you are 18 or older, you can be vaccinated at any of our drive-through sites at no cost. Persons younger than 18 should make a drive-through site appointment by calling 877-978-6453, or visit a private healthcare provider for COVID-19 vaccination to ensure that they receive a vaccine approved for their age.
COVID-19 vaccinations are provided to Mississippi residents only, or to out-of-state residents who work in Mississippi.
If you have had severe reactions from previous vaccines or injectable medications, please consult with your doctor or a private medical provider about vaccination, rather than visiting an MSDH drive-through site.
Who Should Be Vaccinated
- Persons aged 16 and older can receive the Pfizer vaccine, and those 18 and over can receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
- Pregnant women, lactating women and those who are immunocompromised may take the vaccine; however, consultation with your healthcare provider is recommended.
- You can be vaccinated if you have tested positive for COVID-19 if you wait until your isolation period is over and your symptoms have significantly improved.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
- You should not take the vaccine if you have had severe reactions from previous vaccines or injectable medications.
- If you have had any other type of vaccination in the last two weeks, you should not be vaccinated against COVID-19 yet. Make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at least two weeks after you receive any other vaccination.
Getting Vaccinated
Finding a Vaccination
Eligible Mississippians can be vaccinated at one of our drive-through vaccination sites. Many private health clinics and selected pharmacy outlets are also offering COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Find a free drive-through vaccination appointment
- Local pharmacies and healthcare providers giving vaccinations
- Interactive map of vaccination providers
After Vaccination
- Like most vaccines, you should expect some soreness and fatigue for up to a day after vaccination, a sign that the body is developing a proper immune response.
- Large-scale testing of the vaccine has found no major side effects to the vaccine
- Two vaccinations, several weeks apart (depending on type of vaccine) will be required for full effectiveness. You should schedule your second dose for the appropriate time. For Pfizer vaccine, that's 3 weeks after your first vaccination, and for Moderna, 4 weeks. If necessary, your second vaccination can be made as much as 6 weeks after your first.
- Continue to practice social distancing and other protective measures after you are fully vaccinated. This prevents possible spread of COVID-19 to others, even though you may not be ill, and protects you from the potential risk of infection from new variants of COVID-19.
Your Second Dose
- Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses. Both doses of vaccine are necessary to be fully protected against COVID-19.
- If you receive the Pfizer vaccine, you should return 3 to 6 weeks later for your second dose. If you receive the Moderna vaccine, you should return 4 to 6 weeks later for your second dose.
- You must make a separate appointment for your second dose vaccination; it is not done automatically. Look for information on scheduling your second dose in the confirmation e-mail you get for your first vaccination appointment. If you have already had your first vaccination, look for a reminder e-mail with instructions on making your second dose appointment. If you need assistance with making a second dose appointment, call the COVID-19 Hotline at 877-978-6453.
- You will receive a text message reminder about your second vaccination as time for your second dose approaches. You can also set a reminder with the v-safe app for your smartphone.
- Please bring the vaccination card you received at your first dose to your second dose vaccination.
- If possible, schedule your second drive-through vaccination at the same location you received your first dose.
- If your first vaccination was through a private provider or pharmacy and not at one of our drive-through locations, return to that provider or pharmacy for your second dose.
- After you are vaccinated, continue to follow all safety measures such as social distancing and mask wearing to reduce the chance of passing COVID-19 to others.
Questions and Answers
- Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine CDC
- How COVID-19 Vaccines Work CDC
- Facts and Misconceptions about COVID-19 Vaccines CDC
- Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination CDC
