For Immediate Release
By: The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health | October 30, 2026
Jackson, MS (October 26, 2026) — When it comes to the flu, misinformation can be just as contagious as the virus itself. With flu season underway, the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health is helping Mississippi families separate fact from fiction through a free virtual webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The webinar, Flu Facts: Protecting Yourself, Your Family, and Your Community, will feature Dr. Austine Oniya, DrPH, DTh, MPH, BPharm, who will discuss influenza risks, the benefits of annual vaccination and common misconceptions about flu vaccines. Participants will also receive practical information to help protect themselves and their families throughout flu season.
During the 2024-25 flu season, only 31.7% of Mississippi children received a flu vaccine, the lowest rate in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means nearly two out of three children in the state were not vaccinated against influenza. Influenza can lead to serious complications, particularly among young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions. Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, and remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Through the webinar, the Institute hopes to address vaccine hesitancy, increase awareness and encourage individuals to make informed decisions about their health. The session is open to parents, caregivers, community members and health care professionals. Continuing Medical Education credit is available for eligible physicians. The Mississippi State Medical Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
Registration is free and available at https://bit.ly/4shJQUy and at www.minority-institute.org/events. For more information, email iamh@advancingminorityhealth.org
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The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health was established in 2019 to reduce health disparities among disadvantaged and underserved minority populations in Mississippi through the development of collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders and the implementation of evidence-based public health interventions with a particular focus on health equity.