Mississippi officials said the state ran out of coronavirus vaccines after vaccination appointments compromised all supplies.
Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) said in a statement Wednesday that his vaccine distribution plan was “significantly changed in the past few days – especially in the past 24 hours”.
“Neither the county health department’s drive-through sites nor the UMMC vaccine scheduling site were designed to accommodate the monumental increase we are currently experiencing,” said the department. “At the moment, we do not have an additional vaccine and each visit is linked to an actual vaccination.”
The department said it hopes to revive a large dose load by mid-February, adding that it will keep residents updated on additional doses.
“Mississipians should understand that we can only vaccinate residents based on the availability of the vaccine. We will open additional vaccination appointments as we receive more vaccine, ”wrote MSDH.
“In the meantime, all Mississippi residents – vaccinated or not – must continue to follow protection guidelines. Especially avoid any social gathering. And always wear a mask, ”he added.
The scant supply comes a day after Governor Tate Reeves (R) expanded vaccinations to people aged 65 and over, as well as those with pre-existing illnesses.
O Biloxi Sun Herald reports that Reeves promised to open vaccines for first responders and teachers next week. The governor wanted to take “shots in the arms” from as many people as possible and quickly.
The newspaper notes that the MSDH hotline and website, as well as several hospitals, were left without consultations on Wednesday.
Mississippi is not the only state that is expanding the eligibility of the COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to initiate vaccinations quickly.
Governor of California Gavin Newsom
Gavin NewsomMaryland’s governor proposes up to 0 stimulus payments to some California residents to open several ‘mass vaccination sites’ this week. California reports a maximum of 695 coronavirus deaths in a single day MORE (D) expanded eligibility for anyone aged 65 and over on Wednesday, and the governor of New York Andrew Cuomo
Andrew CuomoCuomo Announces Performance Initiative to Revive New York’s Art Economy Republican candidate from Staten Island apologizes for Hitler’s reference The Hill’s Morning Report – House will accuse Trump on Wednesday MORE (R) last week expanded eligibility for people aged 75 and over, as well as first responders