AARP Mississippi sends letter to Gov. Reeves urging comprehensive plan for vaccine boosters

(Jackson, MS) – AARP Mississippi has sent a letter to Gov. Tate Reeves urging him to develop a comprehensive roll-out plan that communicates clear information to the public and prioritizes older Americans in the distribution of COVID-19 “booster” shots, especially those who are homebound or living in congregate settings. The third shots are now being recommended for the immune-compromised and anyone who is 8 months away from their second shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.

“In Mississippi, we urgently need to increase the initial vaccination rate, which is insufficient to protect Mississippians from the latest surges in infection rates,” said AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq. “At the same time, we need to quickly build a strong system to deliver booster shots to those who have already been vaccinated.”

AARP Mississippi recommends the state include a public education campaign as part of this booster vaccine plan that provides clear information about how people who do not have internet access or cannot navigate an online system can make a vaccine appointment through a call center or other means. “We look forward to supporting your efforts to reach as many people as possible,” Campbell said.

Campbell urged Reeves to inquire about federal funding that may be available from FEMA and the American Rescue Plan Act to facilitate vaccinations for homebound individuals.