The Georgia Department of Public Health is currently administering the COVID-19 vaccine, however, there is a necessary order in which the state of Georgia will make it available to the public. The order is as follows:
Who will get the COVID-19 vaccine, first? (Phase 1, below)
- Healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, EMS personnel, environmental services, etc.)
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
- Adults aged 65 and older (effective 1-11-2021)
- Law enforcement, firefighters, first responders (effective 1-11-2021)
Phase 2 of the vaccine will be available to essential workers, such as public health, safety, security, utility workers, infrastructure, etc. (no date is available, yet)
Phase 3 of the vaccine will be available to ages 16-64 with medical conditions that create a greater risk for covid-19. (no date is available, yet)
The vaccine supply is still very limited, and demand is very high. Public health departments are scheduling vaccines by appointment only. Depending on the vaccine supply, it may be over 60 days before additional providers will have vaccine available for quicker and more widespread distribution.
- Are the COVID-19 vaccines, safe?
COVID-19 vaccines have passed rigorous tests and reviews and are very effective. Scientists had a head start in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 is very similar to other flu viruses, which already have vaccines.
The lab tests for the new vaccine were thorough and successful. More than 70,000 people participated in clinical trials for the two vaccines to see if they are safe and effective. To date, the vaccines are nearly 95% effective in preventing COVID-19.
- Will I get COVID-19 if I take the vaccine?
There is no COVID-19 virus in the vaccine. The vaccine imitates the infection so that our bodies create antibody defenses to fight off COVID-19.
- What are the side-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Side effects are mild and temporary. You may experience pain or swelling in the arm of the injection site. Throughout the rest of your body, you may experience fever, chills, tiredness, and headaches.
- How do people find out if they are eligible to get the vaccine?
Those who will be vaccinated in the first phase (healthcare workers, law enforcement, etc.) will be notified when they can receive the vaccine. The notification will likely come through their workplace or employer.
- What I can do to stop the spread of COVID-19?
- Wash your hands frequently
- Disinfect surfaces
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Maintain a 6-foot Social Distance
- Wear a mask in public places