Free medical assistance will be available for Mississippians impacted by the May 6 and 7 storms and tornadoes.
The Mississippi State Department of Health announced Tuesday that it is providing Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccinations and birth certificates at no cost to residents in Lincoln, Lamar, and Franklin counties. The American Red Cross will also be providing resources.
Residents and first responders ages 19 and older in the impacted area can receive the Tdap vaccine at no cost, regardless of insurance status, by visiting the MSDH mobile unit at the Lincoln County Safe Room, located at 1154 Beltline Drive in Brookhaven. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
Residents in need of care can also visit any county health department in the disaster-affected area. A Tdap booster is recommended for all adults over age 18 impacted by tornadoes if it’s been 10 years or more since one’s last Tdap vaccination. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.
Children 18 and younger needing the vaccine are encouraged to visit their primary care provider or county health clinic before proceeding.
As for last week’s inclement weather, at least seven tornadoes touched down in Mississippi, injuring 26 people and damaging hundreds of homes and businesses. Currently, no deaths have been reported related to the conditions.