Alcorn State University announces partnership with Claiborne County Office of Emergency Management to establish a COVID-19 vaccination site
In an effort to dramatically increase coronavirus vaccinations in one of the hardest-hit counties in Mississippi, Alcorn State University announces a new partnership with Claiborne County’s Office of Emergency Management to establish a COVID-19 vaccination site on the University’s campus.
“For many high-risk residents in Mississippi’s rural areas, they are they facing state-wide vaccine shortages and often must travel long distances,” said University President Felecia M. Nave. “Alcorn State University is doing all we can to assist our community in the fight against COVID-19. We know that community members are not just our neighbors, they are part of the Alcorn family.”
Marvin Ratliff, Claiborne County Emergency Management director, appreciates the opportunity to partner with the University to provide vaccinations to area residents.
“It gives the Claiborne County Board of Supervisors great pleasure to partner with Alcorn in providing vaccinations to the citizens of Claiborne County,” said Ratliff. “Alcorn is a resource to the community. The goal is to have a vaccination site that was easily accessible for individuals within our community who otherwise may not have been able to receive the vaccine. Alcorn stepped in to make this dream a reality. We thank Ms. Collins, Dr. Nave, and the Alcorn team.”
A drive-through facility will be available Tuesday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vaccinations will be given on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
According to Alcorn’s COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jennifer Riley Collins, “At their appointment time, registrants can come to the vaccination site where they receive counseling regarding the vaccine, their vaccine, and then will be asked to stay for about 15 to 30 minutes. This is all done in the comfort of their own car, which allows for especially vulnerable residents to stay socially distanced.”
During the time that they spend on campus, the healthcare staff and community volunteers will make sure that they’re safe and register them for their second-dose appointment, as well as get them their vaccine card.
“The goal of this vaccination site is to accelerate getting the vaccine into the arms of Mississippians,” Riley Collins added.
All appointments for vaccinations at the Alcorn State University site must be made through MSDH’s vaccine appointment system and will be based on the eligibility guidelines established by the agency. Appointments cannot be made with University or county offices.
To make an appointment, visit covidvaccine.umc.edu or call 877-978-6453. Appointments are expected to become available on the state site beginning Tuesday, March 9.
For more information, please visit www.alcorn.edu/vaccination for directions.
