Flu season typically starts in November and lasts as late as March in Mississippi.
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) announced Wednesday that seasonal influenza vaccinations are now available for children and qualifying adults at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health departments.
MSDH says the flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older as the best protection against the flu.
“In Mississippi we are already seeing increased flu activity, including reports of increased hospital admissions for flu-related illness and increased emergency department visits,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers in a release from MSDH. “We recommend that all Mississippians get their flu shots every year because this can be and is beneficial in protecting against severe illness, complications and hospitalizations.”
Byers added that both the flu vaccination and the COVID-19 vaccination or boosters can be given at the same time.
Flu season typically starts in November and lasts as late as March in Mississippi, but usually peaks anywhere between December and February.
Those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive a flu vaccination for $10. Insurance, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found here.
Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at all MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are now widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers.
MSDH says you can call your local county health department to make an appointment for your flu vaccination.
To locate a county health department clinic in your area or for more information on flu, visit the MSDH website here.
Frank Corder
