Tallahatchie General Hospital in Charleston on Thursday afternoon announced that it has received a "limited supply" of COVID-19 vaccine for distribution to the public and released information about those who are eligible to receive it, when it will be administered and where.
Interested persons must call for an appointment, and appointment slots are limited.
"Tallahatchie General Hospital is pleased to announce that, with the help of local and state officials, we have received a limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine for distribution to the public.
"We ask everyone to keep a few things in mind. First, this supply of doses is all that we have, and they will be given on a first come, first served basis. Second, we can only give them to people who are eligible under Mississippi Department of Health guidelines. Third, we want to give them out in the most orderly and efficient way possible to avoid long lines and frustrating wait times. With that in mind, we are providing the following information:
Who is eligible for the vaccine?
• Anyone over 65
• First responders (law enforcement, fire services, emergency management personnel)
• Teachers, staff members or employees of K-12 schools, preschools or daycare centers
• Healthcare workers
• Anyone with at least one of the following medical conditions:
» Cancer
» Chronic kidney disease
» COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
» Down Syndrome
» Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
» Weakened immune system resulting from an organ transplant
» Obesity or severe obesity (Body Mass Index of 30 or higher)
» Pregnancy
» Sickle Cell disease
» Smoking
» Diabetes
» Other medical conditions as determined by your primary care physician
If I’m eligible for the vaccine, how do I get it?
Call TGH at (662) 647-8000, and you will be transferred to someone who will make an appointment for you if a slot is available.
Do I have to have an appointment to get the vaccine?
Yes. Due to extremely limited supplies, only those with appointments will be given the vaccine. We unfortunately cannot accept any walk-ins at this time.
When and where will the vaccine be given?
Vaccinations will be given Thursday, March 4, and Friday, March 5 at the Tallahatchie County Safe Room/Tornado Shelter on South Market Street in Charleston. This facility is located behind Bank of Commerce off the Charleston square, and is across the street from the Charleston Dental Clinic. A sign will be posted at the entrance to help direct traffic. Additional vaccination days may be added until we have distributed all of our supply.
Since space will be limited, please do not arrive earlier than your appointment time to receive the vaccine. You will not receive your vaccine any earlier than your appointment time, and this will likely only lead to delays.
How long will it take to get the vaccine?
Everyone being vaccinated must fill out a small amount of paperwork, and you will need to bring a photo I.D. with you to the vaccination site. After the vaccine is given, you will be asked to stay at the facility for 15 minutes for observation. We estimate that the process will take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
