COVID-19 is still out there, it is still killing people and there are those who still have not gotten the shot that could save their life.
Coahoma County will host a massive week-long immunization campaign starting May 3 and while all the details are not finalized, one is: If you are over 16-years old they are offering a free shot that can make you immune to COVID-19.
“The latest statistics show that even with all that we have done and all that has been said, there are a lot of people in Coahoma County who have not been immunized,” said Coahoma County Administrator Morgan Wood. “As of Tuesday, 6,002 people or 27-percent have gotten their first shot and only 4,660, or 21 percent, have gotten their second shot.”
That mean 80-percent of the people in Coahoma County walking around in grocery stores, churches and going to the barber or nail salon have are not safe from COVID-19.
Coahoma County has been recognized by the Mississippi State Department of Health as an example of how to host immunization drives and that is part of the reason they were chosen for this massive program that will seek to immunize 1,000 people a day for five days.
This campaign involves not only the county but Coahoma County Emergency Management Agency, the Mississippi National Guard, MSDH, local healthcare providers and a lot of volunteers and county workers.
Coahoma County has held over a dozen immunization days at the Coahoma County Expo Center and Woods said, while that will be the headquarters for this drive, one of the goals of this push is to take the vaccine out into the communities outside of Clarksdale.
“We will set up vaccination centers in all our communities and ask people to come there,” said Wood. “We also are working to get transportation to get people to those sites.
“We haven’t worked out the details of locations and how we are going to bus people to these sites, but we will get it figured out,” said Wood. “This is too important. We’re going to make it happen.”
Wood did say those wanting the shot need to register at https://covidvaccine.umc.edu. She also said anyone wanting transportation, help in filling out their vaccine registration form or who would like to volunteer or contribute resources to the cause can call her at 624-3028.
“I’ve already got a list of 500 people who want the shot, but I need 5,000,” said Wood. “I’m urging churches, schools, businesses, industry, civic clubs, neighbors and families to get involved and get those they love and care about immunized. You might just save their life.”
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