Alcorn partners with Claiborne County Office of Emergency Management for COVID-19 vaccine site

Alcorn has announced a partnership with Claiborne County Office of Emergency Management. The partnership would establish a COVID-19 vaccination site on Alcorn’s Campus.

The vaccination site that will be located on the university’s campus is in an effort to substantially increase coronavirus vaccinations.

“For many high-risk residents in Mississippi’s rural areas, they are they facing state-wide vaccine shortages and often must travel long distances,” said University President Felecia M. Nave. “Alcorn State University is doing all we can to assist our community in the fight against COVID-19. We know that community members are not just our neighbors, they are part of the Alcorn family.”

Marvin Ratliff, Claiborne County Emergency Management director, expressed appreciation for the partnership opportunity. “It gives the Claiborne County Board of Supervisors great pleasure to partner with Alcorn in providing vaccinations to the citizens of Claiborne County,” said Ratliff. “Alcorn is a resource to the community. The goal is to have a vaccination site that is easily accessible for individuals within our community who otherwise may not have been able to receive the vaccine. Alcorn stepped in to make this dream a reality. We thank Ms. Collins, Dr. Nave, and the Alcorn team.”

Vaccinations will be administered on Tuesdays and Thursdays via drive-through starting March 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Healthcare staff and volunteers will make sure those who get the vaccine remain safe, provide them with a vaccine card and register them for their next appointed dose.

“At their appointment time, registrants can come to the vaccination site where they receive counseling regarding the vaccine, their vaccine, and then will be asked to stay for about 15 to 30 minutes. This is all done in the comfort of their own car, which allows for especially vulnerable residents to stay socially distanced,” stated Alcorn’s COVID-19 Response Coordinator, Jennifer Riley Collins.

Appointments must be made through the MSDH’s vaccine appointment system and are based on the eligibility guidelines established by them. Appointments made with the university or county offices are not valid. Appointments are expected to be available on the site beginning Tuesday, March 9.

To make an appointment visit covidvaccine.umc.edu or call 877-978-6453. Please also visit www.alcorn.edu/vaccination for directions and more information.