In an effort to promote the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Tate Reeves has received his first dose.
During a Facebook Live session, the governor was joined by State Health Officer Dr, Thomas Dobbs, the first Mississippian to get inoculated, as he took his shot and urged all eligible Mississippians to do the same.
“We know that this is something that is safe, and so, as I’ve been talking with Dr. Dobbs, I’ve decided that now is the time so that we can convince people. We’ve heard ‘if the governor won’t take it, I’m not going to take it’ and the reality is, it’s time.”
Just prior to getting the shot, the governor reiterated the importance of taking the vaccine for not only yourself but for your family and community.
“I don’t love shots, but I know that this the thing to do and it’s going to help protect me, but also protect our loved ones and that is one of the reasons that the vaccine is so very important because it allows to move forward and to move on,”
Governor Reeves reminded everyone that those 65 and older and those with the following underlying health conditions are now eligible to schedule a vaccine appointment.
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Down Syndrome
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but less than 40 kg/m2)
- Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Or other medical conditions as determined by your medical provider
To schedule an appointment, visit covidvaccine.umc.edu or call (877) 978-6453 or (601) 965-4071.
