MSDH to offer free vaccinations this week to storm victims

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will offer free Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccinations and replacement birth certificates to residents affected by this month’s tornadoes in Walthall and Jefferson Davis counties. MSDH Mobile Units will be stationed in both counties this week.

MSDH Office of Vital Records staff will be available to assist residents with applications for replacement birth certificates. To apply, individuals must be 18 or older, directly impacted by the storms, and provide a valid photo ID or other acceptable form of identification. Applications can be completed for oneself or for a family member, including parents, grandparents, siblings, children, or grandchildren, as well as for guardians or legal representatives. Completed applications will be processed and distributed the following day at the mobile unit.

Residents and first responders ages 19 and older can receive the Tdap vaccine at no cost. A Tdap booster is recommended for adults over 19, especially those involved in storm clean-up, if it has been 10 years or more since their last vaccination. Tetanus bacteria can enter the body through cuts or wounds. Interested individuals can visit MSDH Mobile Units or any county health department in disaster-affected counties.

To receive the Tdap vaccine at the mobile unit, individuals will need to complete a brief form. Children under 18 must visit their county health department or primary care provider for the vaccine.

Location

The MSDH Mobile Units will be located at the following sites:

Walthall County Health Department
903 Union Road
Tylertown, MS 39667

• Monday, March 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 26, 9 a.m. to Noon

Jefferson Davis County
Granby Volunteer Fire Department
956 East Saint Stevens Rd.
Prentiss, MS 39474

• Thursday, March 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, March 28, 9 a.m. to Noon

A representative from the Social Security Administration will also be available in Walthall County to assist residents with replacement Social Security cards.

For more information on storm recovery and safety tips, visit MSDH After Storm Tips.

For updates, visit www.msdh.ms.gov or follow MSDH on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/HealthyMS
Twitter: twitter.com/msdh
Instagram: instagram.com/healthy.ms

Download the MSDH Healthy App for free on Apple and Android devices.