Summer in Hattiesburg and the surrounding Pine Belt region is a specific kind of intense: humidity regularly above 80 percent, temperatures in the mid to upper 90s, outdoor events, waterways, recreational activities, and travel to Gulf beaches and beyond. Several vaccine preventable diseases have transmission patterns that align directly with these conditions.
This is not a scare tactics list. It is a practical, CDC grounded rundown of vaccines that are particularly relevant for Pine Belt residents heading into summer, with honest guidance on who each one is for.
Influenza: Get It in September, Not Summer
Flu vaccination is annual and should technically be timed for September or early October to align with the October to March flu season. If you missed it in fall, late spring is still worthwhile, flu can circulate year round in the Gulf South and you may be traveling to areas with different flu timing.
Every adult. Every year. That is the recommendation.
Hepatitis A: Especially Relevant for Summer Eating and Travel
Hepatitis A is a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Outbreaks have occurred across the Gulf South, and summer's combination of outdoor food events, festivals, and travel to Central America and Mexico (popular from Mississippi) elevates exposure risk.
The hepatitis A vaccine is a two dose series. If you have not been vaccinated or previously infected, this is one of the most practical travel and food safety vaccines for Pine Belt residents. The CDC recommends it for all adults who travel internationally, for food handlers, and for anyone who wants protection. It is also on the routine vaccination schedule for children starting at age 12 months.
Hepatitis B: Still Underutilized
The AAFP recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all adults ages 19 to 59, and it is recommended for adults 60 and older who have risk factors or want protection. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood contact and sexual exposure.
A three dose traditional series or a two dose Heplisav B series are both available. This is a frequently missed vaccine in adults who were vaccinated as children but whose titers have waned, or who were simply never vaccinated.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Outdoor Injuries and Whooping Cough
Pine Belt summers mean yard work, construction, outdoor sports, and contact with soil, all of which create opportunities for cuts, punctures, and wound contamination with tetanus. Every adult should have had a Tdap booster at least once, with a tetanus booster (Td) every 10 years thereafter.
If you have not had a Tdap in the last 10 years, a Pine Belt summer is exactly the right time to update it. Pertussis (whooping cough) protection is particularly important for adults with young children or grandchildren, adults are frequently the source of pertussis infections in infants, who bear the highest mortality risk.
Shingles (Shingrix): Before 50 Is Too Late
Shingrix (the recombinant shingles vaccine) is recommended for all adults 50 and older, even if they have previously had shingles or received the older Zostavax vaccine. It is administered as a two dose series.
Shingles develops from the dormant varicella (chickenpox) virus reactivating years or decades later, stress, illness, or age related immune decline can trigger it. The pain of active shingles is severe, and postherpetic neuralgia (pain that persists after the rash resolves) can be debilitating for months or years.
Shingrix is approximately 97 percent effective in preventing shingles in adults 50 to 69 and about 91 percent effective in adults 70 and older. It is one of the highest value vaccines for adults entering their 50s.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: Especially for Adults 65+ and Those With Chronic Conditions
The pneumococcal vaccines (Prevnar 20, Pneumovax 23) protect against pneumococcal bacteria, which cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Recommended for:
- All adults 65 and older
- Adults under 65 with chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease, COPD, asthma, or compromised immune systems
Summer activity can expose people to respiratory infections through crowded venues, travel, and waterway activities. Getting pneumococcal vaccination current before summer is a practical step for those in the recommended age or risk groups.
RSV Vaccine: New and Relevant for 75+
The FDA approved RSV vaccine (Abrysvo, Mresvia) is now recommended by the AAFP for adults 75 and older and for adults 50 to 74 who are at high risk for severe RSV (those with chronic lung or heart disease, weakened immune systems, or living in a nursing home). RSV is not just a baby disease, it causes serious lower respiratory illness in older adults.
COVID 19 Updated Vaccine
The CDC recommends at least one updated COVID 19 vaccine dose annually for adults 65 and older, with shared decision making for younger adults. Updated formulations are released each fall, but if you are overdue, a summer dose ahead of fall travel season is appropriate.
Pre Summer Vaccine Checklist by Age Group
Where to Get Vaccines in Hattiesburg
Vaccines are available at:
- Fairview Pharmacy
- CVS and Walgreens pharmacies (multiple Hattiesburg locations)
- Hattiesburg Clinic
- Forrest County Health Department (Mississippi State Department of Health)
Most are covered by insurance and Medicare Part B at no cost. Mississippi Medicaid covers immunizations for eligible beneficiaries.
You can schedule vaccines at Fairview Pharmacy, we administer most adult vaccines and can review your vaccination history to identify gaps.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Before starting or changing any medication, including over the counter products and supplements, talk with your pharmacist or physician about your specific situation.