Appointments for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster shot are now available at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health department clinics.

Appointments can be made through covidvaccine.umc.edu or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 877-978-6453.

The FDA has authorized an updated COVID-19 booster that offers improved protection against recent variants. The new booster is bivalent, providing better protection against both the original strain of COVID-19 and the Omicron variants that are currently causing most infections (BA.4 and BA.5).

The updated vaccines are recommended for use as a booster shot for those 12 and older at least two months after completion of the primary vaccination series (Pfizer, Moderna or Noravax two-shot regimen, or Johnson & Johnson/Jannsen’s one-shot regimen) or two months after the last booster shot.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at no cost from county health departments. Vaccinations are also available at numerous pharmacies and private providers throughout the state. Remember to bring your vaccination card to your appointment.