COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Are students going to be required to be vaccinated?
Vaccinations are highly encouraged, but not required for students.
Are the current vaccines effective against the new variants of COVID-19?
Yes, research suggests being fully vaccinated individuals are still protected against variants of COVID-19.
Are there other COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in the area?
There are several COVID-19 vaccine providers in Oktibbeha County. The following list may not include all providers, and some providers may have restrictions based on their vaccine supply.
- Mississippi State Department of Health: http://covidvaccine.umc.edu/
- Starkville Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/covidvaccine
- Starkville Kroger: https://www.kroger.com/rx/covid-eligibility
- OCH Regional Medical Center: https://www.och.org/covid/
Are these vaccines safe? Did they skip testing procedures or cut corners to develop these vaccines so quickly?
COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective. Each vaccine has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), which is used by the FDA during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on Emergency Use Authorizations, click here: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/emergency-use-authorization-vaccines-explained
Can I find out if my roommate has been vaccinated?
We do not share students’ personal health information with others. You should feel comfortable in having a discussion with your roommate about vaccinations. We will work with you to facilitate a roommate change if necessary.
Can I sign my child up for a vaccine?
Children, ages 12 and up are now eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Please visit: https://covidvaccine.msstate.edu/ to register.
Do I need to send in my COVID vaccine info when I submit my immunizations to the Health Center?
Students should submit their COVID vaccine records to covidvaccine.msstate.edu.
How do I sign up for my second dose?
Your second Pfizer dose should be taken at least three weeks after your first. If you received your first dose of Pfizer at least three weeks ago, you may schedule your second dose by visiting https://covidvaccine.msstate.edu/. If your first dose was the Moderna vaccine, you will need to find a provider offering that vaccine.
How do I sign up to receive a vaccine?
Visit https://covidvaccine.msstate.edu/ for registration instructions. Vaccines are open to the university and community.
How effective is the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have shown to be over 90% effective while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is over 70% effective.
People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, or 2 weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
How many shots will I need? What happens if I don’t take the second shot?
The Pfizer vaccine requires two shots to be considered “fully vaccinated”. These shots should be taken at least three weeks apart. Not taking the second shot may leave you vulnerable to catching COVID-19. If you only receive one of the Pfizer doses, you would not be considered fully vaccinated and would have to quarantine if exposed to a person with COVID-19.
I am having trouble accessing the site or scheduling a vaccine. Who do I contact?
If you need technical assistance, contact the MSU Service Desk at servicedesk@msstate.edu or 662-325-0631.
If you have questions about the vaccine, you may call the Student Health Center at 662-325-2431.
I have allergies and have heard of reactions. Should I get the vaccine?
You are encouraged to speak with your primary care physician regarding your concerns about the vaccine.
I may have been exposed to someone with COVID. Is it too late to schedule a vaccine?
You should contact the Student Health Center at 662-325-2431 if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19. It is important for everyone to receive the vaccine as early as possible since it takes a couple of weeks to become fully vaccinated.
Should I take the vaccine if I’ve already had COVID-19?
According to the CDC, yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Studies have shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19. Learn more about why getting vaccinated is a safer way to build protection than getting infected.
If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you or your child has a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C), consider delaying vaccination until you or your child have recovered from being sick and for 90 days after the date of diagnosis of MIS-A or MIS-C. Learn more about the clinical considerations people with a history of multisystem MIS-C or MIS-A.
Experts are still learning more about how long vaccines protect against COVID-19. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
What are the side effects from taking the vaccine?
Some side effects have been reported from the COVID-19 vaccines. While most of these were minor and short-lasting, you should consult your physician if you have questions or concerns about taking any vaccine, particularly if you are prone to severe allergic reactions.
What is Mississippi State University doing to provide the COVID-19 vaccine?
Mississippi State University continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines to the university and community. Several clinics have been scheduled around campus and vaccines are available at the Health Center. Visit https://covidvaccine.msstate.edu/ for more information or to schedule a vaccine appointment.
Where do I go to get my vaccine on campus?
Vaccines are administered at the Longest Student Health Center on Hardy Road. You will receive instructions when you schedule your appointment.
Who do I contact if I have problems after receiving my vaccine?
If you have a medical emergency, call 911. If you have questions or concerns after receiving your vaccine, contact your primary care physician.
Will I have to show proof of taking the vaccine to attend university events?
There are no plans for the university to require a vaccine to participate or attend university events.
Will I still have to wear a mask and distance after taking the vaccine?
Based upon the latest guidance from the Mississippi Department of Health regarding community transmission rates and our county moving from substantial to moderate transmission, all persons are still required to wear a mask in all classrooms, labs, and studios during scheduled class times, and in the Longest Student Health Center.
Fully vaccinated persons are encouraged to wear a mask in all indoor campus locations but are not required except in classrooms, labs, and studios during scheduled class times. Not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated persons are required to wear a mask in all indoor campus locations. Employees may require masks to be worn inside their personal offices.
Will we need COVID-19 booster shots? When will they be available?
Pfizer booster shots are available. The Mississippi State Department of Health recommends the following regarding Pfizer booster shots:
- As a priority, individuals aged 65 years and older and residents in long-term care facilities (LTCF) should receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series.
- As a priority, individuals aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions (see below) should receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series.
- Individuals aged 18-49 with underlying medical conditions (see below) may also receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series.
- Individuals aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting (see below) may also receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series.