COVID-19 vaccine

Q&A: After federal complaint for COVID vaccine rollout, what’s next for Mississippi?

The NAACP’s and SPLC’s federal complaint claims that Mississippi didn’t equitably spend its federal COVID-19 relief funds, leaving out communities of color.

Exhaustion and nervousness after 2 years of COVID in Alabama

March 13 marked two years since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Alabama. Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson said we're in a good place now, but there's concern of another surge.

Key COVID moments in the Gulf South 2 years later

On the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, take a look back at the Gulf States Newsroom’s coverage of the infectious disease’s impact on the Gulf South region.

Is New Orleans ready for Mardi Gras? A Q&A with health director Jennifer Avegno

New Orleans is in full celebration mode with Mardi Gras just days away, but where does COVID fit into the equation? The city’s health director has answers.

Virus hospitalizations, school cases increasing in Alabama

The state's top doctor says caseloads are manageable, but officials are concerned.

Tips for a happy, safe and COVID-free Thanksgiving from Gulf South health officials

Hosting a family gathering for Thanksgiving but worried about COVID transmission? Health officials offer these tips for a happy, safe holiday.

First kids ages 5-11 to get COVID shot looking forward to sleepovers, ‘feeling safe’

As pharmacies and health care providers begin rolling out the Pfizer COVID vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds, appointments and waitlists are filling up.

Why Black teens are getting vaccinated at higher rates than white teens across the South

Data acquired from health departments across the Gulf South show that among 12 to 17 year olds, Black teenagers are getting vaccinated at roughly one and a half times the rate of white teenagers.

Kids age 5 and up can start getting vaccinated in Jefferson County

Over 400,000 kids in Alabama aged 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, after the CDC approved Pfizer’s low-dose vaccine for kids. Several families in Jefferson County told WBHM they’re eager to get their shots and move towards normalcy.

How outreach helped Gulf States outpace national COVID vaccine rate for Black residents

COVID-19 vaccination rates among Black residents in the Gulf States are surpassing that of Black residents in the U.S. Health officials say building trust has been key to reaching this point.

Alabama says vaccine mandate will lead state employees to quit

Gov. Kay Ivey joined a lawsuit filed late Friday by Alabama and other states challenging the vaccine mandate on federal contractors.

Alabama Will Follow CDC Guidelines For COVID-19 Booster Shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has authorized a third shot of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups.

‘I Don’t Know How Much Longer We Can Do This’: Alabama State Health Officer Frustrated As COVID Cases Surge

Alabama is in a “crisis situation” with a surge in case numbers and hospitalizations, particularly in school-aged children, according to State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Harris.

Alabama Sees ‘Unprecedented’ Surge In COVID-19 Hospitalizations

Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said the increase is linked to the more contagious Delta variant, coupled with Alabama’s low vaccination rate.

Birmingham City Council To Hear $13 Million Vaccine Sweepstakes Proposal Tuesday

Council President William Parker's plan includes gift cards, savings bonds, college scholarships and drawings in an attempt to encourage more people get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Past And Present Collide As Community Health Centers Strive To Close Rural Care Gaps In The Pandemic

Many rural health leaders believe community health centers, which were born in the 60s to reach low-income communities of color, were a missing piece in achieving equity in the vaccine rollout.

Biden Administration Pushes To Vaccinate All Americans Against COVID-19

The White House said officials are working through issues of access and vaccine hesitancy.

Alabama To Expand COVID Vaccine Eligibility March 22

Alabamians aged 55 and older, plus those with high-risk conditions and disabilities are among the groups that will soon be eligible for a COVID vaccine.

UAB Officials Hopeful Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Could Accelerate Rollout

UAB health experts say when it comes to vaccine variety, more is better. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the latest to win approval from the federal government.

“The Edge of the Woods”: UAB Epidemiologist Says Herd Immunity Could Be Reached By Late Spring

An epidemiologist at UAB Medicine thinks that Alabama may be headed toward a long-sought goal in the COVID pandemic and may reach that goal sooner than many had expected.

To Get The Vaccine Or Not: How These Black Health Care Workers Made The Decision

Skepticism around the COVID-19 vaccine appears to be more prevalent within the Black community and among Black health care workers. We talked to a few of them about what’s guiding their decisions.

Winter Weather Brings School Closings

A number of schools are closed or adjusted schedules because of expected ice, freezing rain and sleet.

Vaccine ‘Hunters’ Travel To Mississippi, Other States For A Potential Dose

Officials worry that with cross-border travel for vaccines, second doses could get complicated.

Uneven Vaccine Rollout Threatens To Leave Black Communities Behind

An NPR analysis of COVID-19 vaccination sites around the country found that access is uneven in cities across the South.

Where Is The COVID-19 Vaccine And How Do You Get One?

Arranging to get a COVID-19 vaccine can be frustrating and a potentially complicated process. We're here to answer some of your questions.

Frustration Grows With Alabama’s Slow Vaccine Rollout

Alabama has administered less than half of its COVID-19 vaccine supply. So why do state health officials say supply is the main obstacle?

UAB Hospital Ready To Vaccinate More People, Waiting On More Vaccine

Alabama's biggest hospital says it could establish a mass vaccination site this week if it had more doses.

COVID Vaccinations Begin For People 75+ Years Old

Jefferson County residents 75 and older started receiving the COVID-19 vaccine this week.

What You Need To Know About The COVID Vaccine Rollout In Alabama

Answers to your questions about the coronavirus vaccine rollout in Alabama. Who is eligible? How can you sign up to get a vaccine?

UAB’s Marrazzo Concerned About Rising COVID Numbers, But Hopeful About Vaccines

Alabama ranks third in the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19.