Updated COVID-19 vaccines that protect against the most common circulating strains of the virus are now available at some parish health units (PHUs) throughout Louisiana, which adds to the supply already available at pharmacies and other locations. State health officials urge residents to take advantage of the best protection against the COVID-19 virus by getting the updated vaccines.

PHUs are a vital resource for uninsured and underinsured residents to access the latest COVID-19 vaccines with ease and affordability. As part of the Bridge Access Program, local PHUs and participating Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) will be offering free COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the vaccine.

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved two new vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna that target the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant of the COVID-19 virus.

The updated vaccines are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older and are expected to provide increased protection against severe disease and death that may result from infection with the COVID-19 virus.

Upcoming Vaccination Event:

In Jackson Parish a Vaccination Event will take place on January 25th at the Jonesboro City Hall, located at 128 Allen Avenue.