FDA advisers back Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for young kids

The vote Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration panel moves the U.S. closer to vaccinating children ages 5 to 11.

Several protest vaccine mandate at MSU

People with picket signs marched through the Mississippi State University campus during the lunch hour on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

Ivey directs agencies to resist COVID vaccination mandate

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has directed state agencies not to cooperate with the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

COVID-19 booster shots now available at county health departments in MS

Visit covidvaccine.umc.edu or call the COVID-19 hotline at 877-978-6453 to make an appointment.

Schedule vaccine appointment online in Mississippi

Schedule vaccine appointment online in Alabama

Pop-up vaccination sites in Mississippi

Coronavirus testing locations in Mississippi

Coronavirus testing locations in Alabama

COVID cases in MS and AL

COVID in schools in Mississippi

The Mississippi State Department of Health updates its report weekly.

Board: Vaccine required for most Mississippi university jobs

Updated - Most employees at Mississippi’s eight public universities will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mississippi surpasses 10,000 coronavirus-related deaths

The state of Mississippi has surpassed 10,000 coronavirus-related deaths. The Mississippi State Department of Health reported Monday that 10,024 people have died of COVID-19 or its complications in the state, which has a population of around 3 million.

Moderna says its low-dose COVID shot works for kids 6 to 11

Moderna says its low-dose COVID-19 vaccine is safe and appears to work in 6- to 11-year-olds.

Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine more than 90% effective in kids

Pfizer says kid-size doses of its COVID-19 vaccine are safe and nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in elementary school children.

COVID-19 vaccine: CDC panel backs expanded booster rollout

Updated - A government panel of experts has endorsed extra doses of all three of the nation’s vaccines.

MDOC: Mississippi prisons to reopen to visitation

MDOC stopped visitation on July 27 because of a spike in Covid-19 cases in Mississippi.

White House details plans to vaccinate 28M children age 5-11

Kids aged 5 to 11 will soon be able to get a COVID-19 shot at their pediatrician’s office, local pharmacy and potentially even their school.

To jab or not to jab? Vaccinations still hot topic in sports

Several months after COVID-19 vaccinations were made widely available in the United States, vaccination status continues to disrupt professional and college sports.

US expected to authorize mix-and-match COVID booster shots

Federal regulators are expected to authorize the mixing and matching of COVID-19 booster shots this week in an effort to provide flexibility for those seeking to maintain protection against the coronavirus.

CDC considers new alternative to quarantining for schools

The CDC is currently evaluating a "test-to-stay" method in schools, where a student who may have been exposed to Covid-19 can continue to attend school in person instead of quarantining at home, as long as they test negative. CNN's Jacqueline Howard has more.

Colin Powell, exemplary general stained by Iraq claims, dies

Colin Powell, former Joint Chiefs chairman and secretary of state, has died from COVID-19 complications.

Why COVID boosters weren't tweaked to better match variants

COVID-19 booster shots are an extra dose of the original vaccine, and some experts wonder why they weren't updated to better match the delta variant.

Reaction: Chickasaw County Schools drop mask mandate

Several school districts have dropped their mandates and made it optional for students to wear masks.

FDA panel takes up tough questions on J&J COVID-19 boosters

U.S. health advisers are meeting to tackle who needs boosters of Johnson & Johnson's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine and when.

Masks now optional for Tupelo students and staff

The Board of Trustees voted on Tuesday, Oct. 12 to lift the district's mask mandate.

Mississippi chief justice extends emergency order

Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph extended the order on Wednesday, Oct. 13.

What’s the latest advice on the type of mask I should wear?

Health experts say it's important to find a mask that's comfortable so you'll actually wear it as the coronavirus continues to circulate

FDA grapples with timing of booster for J&J COVID-19 vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration is wrestling with how to decide on booster doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Americans quit their jobs at a record pace in August

One reason America’s employers are having trouble filling jobs was starkly illustrated in a report Tuesday: Americans are quitting in droves.

Could end of pandemic be near in Mississippi?

The number of COVID-19 cases in Mississippi has been decreasing.

Next on FDA's agenda: Booster shots of Moderna, J&J vaccines

With many Americans who got Pfizer vaccinations already rolling up their sleeves for a booster shot, millions of others who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine wait anxiously to learn when it’s their turn.

Governor extends Mississippi’s State of Emergency for 30 more days

The governor made the decision in coordination with State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs and MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney.

Merck asks US FDA to authorize promising anti-COVID pill

Drugmaker Merck has asked U.S. regulators to authorize its promising antiviral pill against COVID-19, setting the stage for a decision within weeks.

Moderna has no plans to share its COVID-19 vaccine recipe

The chairman of Moderna says the company has no plans to share the recipe for its COVID-19 vaccine because executives have concluded that scaling up their own production is the best way to increase the global supply.

Home care workers face deadline to get vaccinated in NY

The mandate, put in place by Gov. Kathy Hochul, also applies to workers at assisted living homes, hospice care, treatment centers and AIDS home care programs.

Delta variant and worker shortage keep a lid on job growth

Friday’s report from the Labor Department also showed that the unemployment rate sank last month from 5.2% to 4.8%.

Boosters, employer mandates drive increase in US vaccines

The rise in shots comes as more seniors are getting boosters, and employer mandates are pushing workers to take their first doses.

Biden, a convert to vaccine mandates, champions compliance

He had ruled out such mandates before taking office in January, but they're now a tactic he feels forced into using.

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid 'twindemic'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccination for just about everyone starting with 6-month-old babies.

Pfizer's request to OK shots for kids a relief for parents

Pfizer is asking the U.S. government to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11. If regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.

While the US summer covid surge is waning, more mandates are in the works

Government leaders and employers not wanting to lose momentum are looking at strengthening and expanding vaccine mandates.

The Department of Health and Human Services takes a different approach with new ad to encourage vaccines

The US Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new ad campaign that features real-life selfie videos shot by unvaccinated people, who became seriously ill with Covid-19, in an effort to get more Americans vaccinated. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen reports.

Walgreens gives COVID-19 and flu vaccines to Amory community

A total of 12 shots were given out today.

J&J seeks US clearance for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses

Johnson & Johnson has asked U.S. regulators to allow booster shots of its COVID-19 vaccine as the U.S. government moves toward shoring up protection in more vaccinated Americans.

Doctors grow frustrated over COVID-19 denial, misinformation

Front-line medical workers are growing weary of COVID-19 denial and misinformation in treating unvaccinated patients during the delta-driven surge.

Monoclonal antibodies popular at New Albany hospital

The infusions can help Covid-positive patients avoid hospitalization and severe symptoms.

US COVID cases falling, but hospitals brace for next wave

A decline in COVID-19 cases across the United States over the past several weeks has given overwhelmed hospitals some relief

Mississippi official: Seniors are priority for booster shots

Mississippi health officials say booster shots for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are now available at all county health department clinics, and people over the age of 65 are a priority for the extra jab.

Mississippi health experts provide some good news on pandemic

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said experts are seeing an ongoing decline in the number of new cases and hospitalizations.

Aberdeen students returning to traditional model

Because of Covid-19, the district has operated under its hybrid model since Sept. 10.

It's flu vaccine time, even if you've had your COVID shots

Health experts are worried Americans might have vaccination fatigue, but they still want you to get your flu shot.

University of Alabama extends mask requirement for COVID-19

The University of Alabama has extended its indoor mask requirement through October 29 to protect against the coronavirus.

Some fear boosters will hurt drive to reach the unvaccinated

The number of first-dose COVID-19 vaccinations is falling in the U.S., despite the spread of vaccine requirements across the country.

Fighting wave of misinfo, YouTube bans false vaccine claims

Video-sharing tech platform YouTube on Wednesday announced immediate bans on false claims that vaccines are dangerous and cause health issues like autism, cancer or infertility.

Alabama health officials urge schools to keep mask mandates

Alabama health officials are urging schools to continue requiring masks despite a decline in COVID-19 cases in the state.

North Pontotoc High School student dies from coronavirus

A NPHS student and football player recently died from the coronavirus.

NMHS discovers error in most recent Covid reporting

North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS) discovered an error in its most recent Covid reports.

Biden gets COVID-19 booster shot after authorization

President Joe Biden has received his COVID-19 booster shot. Monday's booster shot came days after federal regulators recommended a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for Americans 65 or older and approved them for others with preexisting medical conditions and high-risk work environments.

COVID-19 bumps food benefits for some Mississippi families

Some Mississippi households currently getting supplemental food benefits will be eligible for additional funds next month because of the coronavirus pandemic.

EXPLAINER: Who's eligible for Pfizer booster shots in US?

Millions of Americans are now eligible to receive a Pfizer booster shot to help increase their protection against the worst effects of the coronavirus.

CDC leader adds people with risky jobs to COVID booster list

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has endorsed COVID-19 booster shots for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans.

Starkville residents give opinions on wearing masks

Friday morning, the CDC released a study showing the impacts of wearing a mask in school in three different studies.

US sets the stage for COVID booster shots for millions

The U.S. vaccination drive against COVID-19 is poised for a major new phase: Government advisers on Thursday recommended booster doses of Pfizer’s vaccine for millions of Americans.

Alabama sees antibody shipments decline

Alabama saw its number of available monoclonal antibody doses fall as federal officials try to ration the limited resource, but low-vaccination Southern states continued to receive some of the largest allocations.

Calhoun City hospital administered vaccine in convenient way

On Thursday, healthcare workers administered the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines at a pull-up vaccination site at the First Baptist Church.

Reaction: Pandemic blamed for low test scores

The pandemic caused a major dent in scores across the state, the Mississippi Department of Education announced on Thursday.

FDA grants emergency approval for Pfizer booster shots

While it looked like the Food and Drug administration had reservations against the boosters earlier this week, in a turn of events, now a third dose of Pfizer has been given emergency authorization.

Biden doubles US global donation of COVID-19 vaccine shots

President Joe Biden says the U.S. is doubling its purchase of Pfizer's COVID-19 shots to share with the world.

Board: Public universities cannot require COVID-19 vaccine

The board that governs Mississippi’s public universities is prohibiting schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff.

1,557 additional COVID cases, 22 additional deaths in Mississippi

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported 1,557 additional COVID cases and 22 additional deaths in its Wednesday morning report.

VIDEO - Event planning during the pandemic in Monroe County

You can look forward to fall events in Monroe County.

VIDEO - Aberdeen mayor talks about COVID numbers

Aberdeen Mayor Charles Scott has a strong message for those in the city who remain unvaccinated.

VIDEO - Blood drive competition between NEMCC and ICC

Some area college students are turning a local blood drive into a friendly competition.

VIDEO - Students receive second dose at NEMCC

On Tuesday, a number of students received their second vaccination dose.

Alabama virus hospitalizations dip below 2,000, deaths rise

The number of COVID-19 patients in Alabama hospitals has fallen to below 2,000, but medical officials caution that hospitals remain full of largely unvaccinated patients and that deaths contributed to the decline.

Would you let your children get the Pfizer vaccine?

Pfizer announced Monday that its vaccine is safe for children ages five to eleven. Parents shared with WTVA's Alexis Jones their thoughts on Pfizer's new findings.

Jackson mayor: Workers must prove vaccinations by Oct. 15

Jackson Mayor Antar Lumumba signed an executive order setting the date for Oct. 15.

COVID has killed about as many Americans as the 1918-19 flu

COVID-19 has now killed about as many Americans as the 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic did — approximately 675,000.

NMMC doctors encouraging people to get vaccinated

Doctors at North Mississippi Medical Center are coming up with creative ways to educate people about the coronavirus vaccine and encourage them to get vaccinated.

Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine works in kids ages 5 to 11

Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11. The vaccine maker said Monday it plans to seek authorization for this age group soon in the U.S., Britain and Europe.

VIDEO - NMMC initiative encourages COVID vaccine

Doctors at the North Mississippi Medical Center are encouraging the public to get vaccinated.

VIDEO - Some protest vaccine mandate at Columbus hospital

Jake Tapper's full interview with Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves

CNN's Jake Tapper presses Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves on his state's response to the coronavirus pandemic as Mississippi reports the highest coronavirus death count per capita in the nation.

UPDATE: Sheriffs' association leader feels better about situation with COVID-19 benefits

The head of the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association found out Friday the Legislature plans to address an issue with benefits not being paid to survivors of law enforcement and firefighters who die from COVID-19 in the line of duty.

US panel backs COVID-19 boosters only for elderly, high-risk

Updated - An influential federal advisory panel has rejected a plan to offer Pfizer booster shots against COVID-19 to most Americans.

Lawmaker: Families of law enforcement officers, other personnel lost to COVID need compensation

Rep. Tom Miles, a Democrat who represents Rankin and Scott counties, said he submitted a request Friday morning for a House Bill to ensure those families are taken care of.

Mississippi now has country's highest rate for COVID deaths

Mississippi has surpassed New Jersey as the state with the highest rate of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said the numbers of new cases are still “far more than we’d like to see,” and that more deaths will follow.

VIDEO - Vaccine clinic held outside football game at ICC

GOP AGs threaten legal action over vaccine mandate

The letter sent Thursday is the latest in GOP opposition to sweeping new federal vaccine requirements for private-sector employees, health care workers and federal contractors announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month.

Study: Childhood obesity in U.S. accelerated during pandemic

A new study ties the COVID-19 pandemic to an “alarming” increase in obesity in U.S. children and teenagers.

SOCSD tweaks virtual learning policy at school board meeting

The policy now allows students living with parents or guardians who have rare or serious health conditions to qualify for virtual learning.

Free COVID vaccines available this week at ICC locations

Updated - This is available to ICC employees, students, their families and communties.

Family: Man turned away by dozens of COVID-filled hospitals

A family is urging people to get vaccinated after their 73-year-old relative was turned away from dozens of hospitals dealing with a surge in coronavirus patients.

NBA goes ahead with plan to test unvaccinated players often

For NBA players, the scenario this season is simple: Get vaccinated or get tested, and often.

Reaction: What's your reaction to Biden's vaccine mandate?

The expansive rules mandate that all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million Americans.

School vaccine campaigns targeting students face blowback

Across the U.S., vaccine-hesitant parents are struggling with vaccine-seeking teenagers set on getting their shots.

Mask mandates for New Albany and Union County schools to expire Friday, Sept. 17

The New Albany School District made the announcement on Monday, Sept. 13.

"It's bad to the bone": Unvaccinated man describes Covid-19 fight

CNN's Miguel Marquez speaks to an unvaccinated Covid-19 patient who says he didn't pay attention to the coronavirus before he ended up in the hospital.

FDA official hopeful younger kids can get shots this year

The Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine chief is pledging to rapidly evaluate COVID-19 vaccines for younger kids — as soon as the studies are in.