All Mississippians will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine beginning Tuesday, Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday via Twitter.
“Starting tomorrow, ALL new appointments will be open to ALL Mississippians,” Reeves tweeted. “Get your shot — and let’s get back to normal!”
Vaccinations in Mississippi are currently available for anyone ages 50 or over, staff at K-12 schools, first responders, health care workers and those who are at least 16 and have health conditions that might make them more vulnerable to the virus.
Reeves urged those in the 50 and up age group to make appointments Monday before eligibility expands to the entire state.
“Almost 10,000 appointments available statewide over next 3 weeks,” he said. “If you’re over 50, lock them down TODAY!”
People can get vaccinated at state-run drive-thru sites in counties across the state, at private clinics and community health centers such as King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, and some pharmacies, like Walmart and Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Brookhaven.
People eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine can make an appointment at COVIDvaccine.umc.edu or by calling the Mississippi State Department of Health COVID-19 call center at 1-877-978-6453.

Currently available vaccines in Lincoln County require two doses of vaccine. The first injection helps the immune system recognize the virus, and the second strengthens the immune response. Both are needed — if both injections are not taken the vaccine you receive may not give you maximum protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine even for those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have recovered. A prior infection may not make a person immune to the disease in the future.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.