Mississippi officials said the state has run out of coronavirus vaccines after vaccination appointments committed its full stockpile.
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) said in a statement Wednesday that his vaccine distribution plan “has changed significantly in recent days – especially in the past 24 hours.”
“Neither the regional health department’s drive-through sites nor the UMMC vaccine planning website are designed to accommodate the monumental surge we are currently experiencing,” the department said. “At the moment we do not have a supplemental vaccine and every appointment is linked to an actual vaccination.”
The department said it hopes to revive a large shipment of doses in mid-February, adding that it will keep residents informed of additional doses.
“Mississippians need to understand that we can only vaccinate residents based on the availability of vaccines. We will open additional vaccination appointments as we get more vaccine, ”wrote MSDH.
“Meanwhile, all Mississippians – whether vaccinated or not – must continue to follow protective guidelines. Especially avoid social gatherings. And always wear a mask, ”it added.
The shortage comes a day after government Tate Reeves (R) expanded vaccinations to people 65 and older, as well as those with pre-existing conditions.
The Biloxi Sun Herald reports that Reeves pledged to open vaccines to first responders and teachers next week. The governor wanted to get ‘shots in the arms’ from as many people as possible as soon as possible.
The newspaper notes that the MSDH hotline and website, as well as several hospitals, ran out of appointments on Wednesday.
Mississippi isn’t the only state to expand eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to get vaccinations quickly.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom Governor of Maryland Proposes Up To 0 Incentive Payments To Some California Residents To Open Multiple “ Mass Vaccination Sites ” This Week California Records A Peak Of 695 Coronavirus Deaths In One Day MORE (D) comprehensive suitability to anyone 65 or older on Wednesdays, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Andrew CuomoCuomo Announces Achievement Initiative To Revive New York’s Art Economy Republican Staten Island Nominee Apologizes For Hitler Reference The Hill’s Morning Report – House To Impeach Trump On Wednesday MORE (R) last week comprehensive suitability for people 75 and older, as well as for first responders.