All school and district educators and staff are encouraged to get vaccinated if they fit the current qualifications. At this time, approximately 40% of Mississippians are currently eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Eligibility is based on risk factors, which include age and chronic health conditions. Many teachers and staff may already qualify to receive a vaccine and are not required to wait until the next tier of vaccine eligibility, which includes teachers and school staff, becomes available. Below is a list of current requirements.
Who Is Currently Eligible for Vaccination
Adults aged 65 and older. Adults in this age group can be vaccinated at any MSDH drive-through locations, or at some private healthcare providers. Visit msdh.ms.gov for appointment information.
Anyone 16 to 64 years old with a chronic health condition that may put them at higher risk from COVID-19. (18 or older at our drive-through sites.) Qualifying health conditions:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Down Syndrome
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but less than 40 kg/m2)
- Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Or other medical conditions as determined by your medical provider