JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Mississippi has seen a recent rise in COVID-19 cases , according to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).

“When people get around together, you know, you have a lot of summer activities, people hanging out together. That’s where it comes from because it’s transferred from person to person,” said Greg Flynn, media relations director for MSDH.

Despite the recent bump in cases, hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain low in Mississippi. Symptoms are noticeably mild for those who have been vaccinated.

“We all remember what happened when COVID first came out and emergency rooms and hospitals and intensive care units were full of patients presenting with COVID testing positive for COVID. We’re not seeing that any longer because I think a lot of people did take advantage of the vaccines,” stated Flynn.

A new COVID-19 vaccine that protects against the JN.1 strain of the virus will roll out this fall. Pharmacists said it’s important to stay up to date on new vaccines and get vaccinated once a year.

“It is important to get the latest available COVID vaccine that is out there. And that’s actually because, over several months, the effectiveness of that vaccine tends to wane. And so, you want to make sure that you’re protecting yourself and by building up your immune system,” said Dr. Andrew Clark, a pharmacist at Northtown Pharmacy in Ridgeland.

MSDH officials said students should also take precautions against both COVID-19 and the flu as they head back to school. If your child is feeling sick, it’s best to keep them at home.

“Make sure that you cover your coughs, cover your sneezes, use the hand sanitizer, wash your hands. Don’t put your hands up to your mouth to where it can get into your mouth or into your nose,” said Flynn.

Mississippians are encouraged to wear a mask if they’re immunocompromised or not feeling well.

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