Kemp, Toomey announce plans to add to list of individuals eligible for vaccine
ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey announced plans Wednesday night to add adults aged 65 and older, law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders to the current group of individuals eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Those mentioned above join healthcare workers and staff and residents of long-term care facilities in the high priority group.
“The expanded administration of vaccine is expected to begin within the next two weeks provided there is adequate vaccine supply available,” a news release from Governor Kemp’s office said.
“Following the expert guidance of Dr. Toomey, the CDC, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Georgia will move to expand Phase 1a vaccination criteria within the next two weeks to include the elderly, law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders – provided the state continues to receive adequate vaccine supplies,” Governor Kemp said. “We will continue to monitor the administration efforts of our public health workers and partners in the private sector, and the supply chain of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to ensure eligible Georgians are vaccinated without delay.”
“Different areas of the state are completing Phase 1a at different times based on the number of healthcare workers and LTCF residents and staff they have to vaccinate,” Commissioner Toomey said. “This expansion of 1a eligible vaccination criteria will allow vaccine to be administered as quickly as possible to our most at-risk populations in terms of exposure, transmission and severity. It also gives healthcare providers and public health staff time to plan and work with local communities across the state to ensure safe and efficient deployment of limited vaccine supplies.”
The release urged Georgians to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing and washing hands frequently.
“While the COVID-19 vaccine is 95% effective in preventing illness in the individual being vaccinated, it is not yet known if the vaccine fully prevents person to person transmission or asymptomatic infections,” the release continued.
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