The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will provide free Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccinations and birth certificates to residents impacted during last week’s tornadoes in Jefferson Davis and Walthall  counties. MSDH Mobile Units will be set up in both counties this week.

Staff from the MSDH Office of Vital Records will be onsite taking applications for replacement birth certificates. To apply for a free birth certificate, you must be 18 or older, directly affected by the storms, and have a valid photo identification or other acceptable form of identification. You can complete an application for yourself, a parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or grandchild; or as a guardian or legal representative. Once an application is completed, MSDH staff will distribute the documents the next day onsite.

Residents and first responders ages 19 and older can receive the Tdap vaccine at no cost. A Tdap booster is recommended for all adults over age 19 impacted by tornadoes, especially those involved in storm clean-up, if it’s been 10 years or more since your last Tdap vaccination. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Those interested can visit the MSDH Mobile Units or any county health department in disaster affected counties.

At the mobile unit, you will need to complete a short form before being vaccinated. Children (ages 18 and younger) needing the Tdap vaccine will need to visit their county health department or primary care provider.

The MSDH Mobile Unit will be at the Granby Volunteer Fire Department
on East Saint Stephens Road  March 27 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and  March 28 from 9 a.m. until noon.