Georgia COVID-19 distribution update
Governor Brian Kemp, along with health officials, announced that the state would open four mass vaccine distribution centers across Georgia.
ATLANTA – Four state mass vaccination centers will open across Georgia next week in an effort to increase the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine during Phase 1A +, officials announced on Thursday.
Governor Brian Kemp, accompanied by the director of the Georgia Department of Public Health, Dr. Kathleen Toomey, and the director of the Georgia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, James Stallings, said that these centers will be in Albany, Macon, Habersham County and the Delta Air Museum at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The governor said that about 1,100 people a day can be vaccinated in each location or about 22,000 a week in all four. This number can be increased as more vaccines become available.
“This list of locations can and will expand as we receive more doses and expand the available supply,” said Kemp.
The venues will open on Monday, February 22. The locations were chosen to help serve minority and underserved communities.
Where are the mass distribution sites of the COVID-19 vaccine located in Georgia?
- Delta Air Museum, located at 1220 Woolman Place SW in Hapeville
- Albany Georgia Forest Site, located at 2910 Newton Road in Albany
- Habersham County Fairgrounds, located on Highway 4235 in Clarkesville
- Macon Farmers Market, located at 2055 Eisenhower Parkway in Macon
Georgia officials said the state will begin receiving 198,000 first weekly doses starting next week. Plans to expand who is eligible for vaccines are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, officials said.
“GEMA / HS’s efforts are designed to meet the vaccination needs of the poorest people who were most affected by COVID-19,” said Chris Stallings, Director of GEMA / HS. “All four selected sites have neighboring populations with high percentages of minorities and individuals with an income below the poverty line.”
Director of Georgia Emergency and Homeland Security Management Agency, James Stallings
The vaccine will be distributed only by appointment. The state has now created a new website to make this easier. This site is myvaccinegeorgia.com. As soon as your appointment is booked, an email will be sent containing a QR code. Georgians will need this code and a valid ID when they go to the consultation.
Everyone who receives the vaccine will need to wait 15 minutes for observation.
All units will be distributing the Pfizer vaccine and the cost will be covered by FEMA.
“GEMA / HS Mass Vaccination Centers do not accept visits, and we are strictly complying with the guidelines for those who are eligible for vaccination,” said Stallings. “We encourage people to complete the registration process using a mobile device, which makes the registration process faster.
As of Thursday, more than 1.6 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered with just over half a million having received their second doses.
What is significant is the percentage of vaccines used. It is currently at its highest level – 82%. This is due to problems in the supply line due to the unprecedented winter storm across the country, combined with an increase in demand. The state received less of the amount allocated this week than in previous weeks.
Authorities also announced that several state and local agencies would join forces to ensure that all elderly people in Georgia have a chance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health and the local Aging Agencies are teaming up to enroll older Georgians and coordinate transportation services.
“This partnership is a great example of how Georgia is responding to the call to protect its residents from COVID-19 and vaccinate vulnerable populations,” said Kemp.
Women more likely to refuse the vaccine
Up to 74 percent of women say they will not get the COVID-19 vaccine, at least not immediately.
More than 718,000 seniors have benefited so far and 101,000 doses have been administered by partners from the pharmacy CVS and Walgreens, the state said on Thursday.
“Vaccination is very important for people aged 65 and over, but for those without a social support system to help them navigate a website, getting a vaccine can be extremely difficult,” said Toomey. “This collaboration with DHS and AAAs demonstrates our collective ability to bring the vaccine to vulnerable individuals in Georgia who need it most.”
Director of the Georgia Department of Public Health, Dr. Kathleen Toomey
According to data provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health, on Thursday afternoon, the 7-day average for confirmed cases dropped to 2,172. The state has seen a downward trend since January 26th and the 7-day average has decreased by about 60% in that period. It is also the lowest since November 16, 2020.
Hospitalizations are also on the decline, with 2,593 current patients with COVID-19, which is about 16% of Georgia’s total hospital population. The state said it’s a 55% drop since last month’s peak
The two-week positivity rate also fell below 10% for the first time since 28 November 2020, PIBH reported. It was at 9.5% on Thursday.
Kemp said that what remains high are deaths. The governor said 85% of all deaths in Georgia were people aged 60 and over. That is why he is pressing again to ensure that all senior citizens in the state enjoy the COVID-19 vaccine.
When are teachers included in the vaccine distribution?
The governor also released the results of a survey by the Department of Education, which revealed that 45% of school district employees would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Although state health officials have not expanded the current vaccination phase, Kemp applauded district education leaders in their efforts to find local health offices and providers who can quickly distribute the vaccine as soon as it is available to educators.
“Many superintendents have been working on this issue and I very much appreciate their leadership in identifying a way to partner with local communities and entities to vaccinate their employees,” said Kemp.
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