COVID-19 Distribution Update in Georgia
Gov. Brian Kemp, along with health officials, has announced that the state will open four mass distribution centers for vaccines in Georgia.
ATLANTA – Four state-run mass vaccination centers will open in Georgia next week in an effort to sharpen the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine during Phase 1A +, officials announced Thursday.
Government Brian Kemp, along with Director of the Department of Public Health in Georgia, dr. Kathleen Toomey, and director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, James Stallings, said the centers will be in Albany, Macon, Habersham County and in the Delta Air Museum. at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The governor said about 1,100 people a day could be vaccinated at each location, or about 22,000 a week at all four. The number could be scaled up as more vaccines became available.
“The list of sites can and will expand as we receive more doses and expand the available supply,” Kemp said.
The sites will open Monday, February 22nd. The places were chosen to help communities with minorities and underprivileged people.
Where are the distribution sites for COVID-19 in Georgia?
- Delta Air Museum, located at 1220 Woolman Place SW in Hapeville
- Forestry Area Albany Georgia, located at 2910 Newton Road in Albany
- Habersham County Fairgrounds, located at 4235 Toccoa Highway in Clarkesville
- Macon Farmers Market, located at Eisenhower Parkway 2055 in Macon
Georgia officials said the state would receive 198,000 weekly first doses from next week. Plans to expand who are eligible for the vaccines are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, officials said.
“GEMA / HS’s efforts are aimed at addressing the vaccination needs of populations worst affected by COVID-19,” said Chris Stallings, Director of GEMA / HS. “The four selected sites all have surrounding populations with a high percentage of minorities and individuals with incomes below the poverty line.”
James Stallings, Director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency
The vaccine will only be distributed by appointment. The state has now set up a new website to make it easier. That website is myvaccinegeorgia.com. As soon as their appointment arrives, an email containing a QR code will be sent. Georgians will need the code and a valid ID if they go to the appointment.
Anyone receiving a vaccine should wait 15 minutes for observation.
All sites distribute the Pfizer vaccine and the costs are covered by FEMA.
“The GEMA / HS mass vaccination sites do not accept plugs, and we strictly adhere to the guidelines for who is eligible,” Stallings said. “We strongly encourage people to complete the registration process using a mobile device, which speeds up the intake.”
As of Thursday, more than 1.6 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, with just over half a million receiving their second doses.
What matters is the percentage of vaccines used. It is currently at its highest, it was 82%. This is due to problems with the supply lines due to the unprecedented winter storm across the country, mixed with an increase in demand. The state received less of its allocated amount this week than in previous weeks.
Officials have also announced that several state and local agencies will join forces to ensure that all seniors in Georgia have the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health and local aging agencies are working together to report older Georgians and coordinate transportation services.
“This partnership is an excellent example of the way Georgia is responding to the call to protect its people from COVID-19 and to vaccinate vulnerable populations,” Kemp said.
Women will be more likely to get the vaccine
Up to 74 percent of women say they will at least not take the COVID-19 vaccine right away.
More than 718,000 elderly people have benefited so far and 101,000 doses have been administered by pharmacy partners CVS and Walgreens, the state said Thursday.
“Vaccination is so important for people 65 and older, but for those without a social support system to help them navigate a website, it can be very difficult to get a vaccine,” Toomey said. “This collaboration with DHS and AAAs demonstrates our combined ability to get the vaccine to the vulnerable individuals in Georgia who need it most.”
Director of the Department of Public Health in Georgia, dr. Kathleen Toomey
According to data provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health, the average of 7 days for confirmed cases decreased from 2 Thursday afternoon to 2,172. The state has seen a downward trend since January 26 and the average of 7 days has decreased by about 60% during that time. It is also the lowest since November 16, 2020.
Hospitalizations are also declining with 2,593 current COVID-19 patients, which is about 16% of Georgia’s total hospital population. The state said it has been down 55% since last month’s high
The two-week positivity rate also fell below 10% for the first time since 28 November 2020, reports the GDPH. It was 9.5% on Thursday.
According to Kemp, the death toll remains high. The governor said 85% of all deaths in Georgia were people 60 years and older. Therefore, he again insists on ensuring that all seniors in the state benefit from getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
When are teachers included in the analysis of vaccines?
The governor also announced the results of a survey by the Department of Education, which found that 45% of school district employees want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
While state health officials have not expanded the current phase of vaccinations, Kemp applauded district education leaders in their efforts to find local health offices and providers to distribute the vaccine quickly once it is available to educators.
“Many superintendents have worked on this and I really appreciate their leadership in identifying a partnership with local communities and entities to vaccinate their staff,” Kemp said.
WATCH: FOX 5 live news coverage in Atlanta
_____
Subscribe to FOX 5 Email Alerts
Download the FOX 5 Atlanta app for news and weather alerts.