Latest Developments: COVID-19 Vaccine In Atlanta

Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash

Are you looking for information on where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Atlanta? We’re going to tell you everything you need to know.

The COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed to all 50 states. Hospitals and medical facilities are the first priority of the 3 million initial doses that are rolling out.

By year’s end, the U.S. government plans to have 300 million doses distributed across the country. They hope that by springtime 2021, the majority of Americans will have access to the vaccine.

This article will be updated with the latest information as we learn of it.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp updated the public on the vaccine rollout in Georgia, saying, “[The Georgia Department of Public Health] and our team are ready to assist in getting the vaccine out to our most vulnerable Georgians and those fighting this virus on the front lines.”

Have COVID-19 Vaccine Vials Arrived In Atlanta?

COVID-19 vaccine vials were shipped into Atlanta and arrived the morning of Monday, Dec. 15. FedEx is handling the shipments to Georgia’s capital city. The shipments come from a Michigan facility, which is the origin point to handle shipping logistics of distributing the vials throughout the nation.

The vaccine vials are all freezer-packed because of their delicate nature and capacity to destabilize at room temperature.

According to the Georgia Department of Health, the handling requirements for each vaccine product will vary from refrigerated (2° to 8° C) to frozen (-20°C) to ultra-cold (-60° to -80°C) temperatures.

Who Will Get The Vaccine?

You may be wondering who is eligible for the vaccine in Georgia and how it will be rolled out. This is the plan, according to the federal government’s COVID-19 immunization program, Operation Warp Speed.

Phase One:

  • People over age 60 with health problems
  • Health care workers
  • Firefighters, EMTs and other first responders

Phase Two:

  • Essential workers (grocery associates, jail staff, truck drivers, etc.)
  • School and child care workers
  • Anyone age 60 and older with underlying conditions

Phase Three

  • Those aged 21 to 30
  • Moderately Exposed Industries (Hairstylists, tattoo artists, etc.)

Phase Four

Anyone else for whom the vaccine is recommended.

The CDC says that the list of groups listed in each phase is by no means all-inclusive and will be revised based on developments that arise.

What Kind Of Vaccine Has Been Shipped To Atlanta?

Atlanta may be getting different types of vaccines, but as of this writing, the city is getting the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, which is the first to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 is for use in people 16 years of age and older. The vaccine is only authorized for emergency use for as long as the pandemic lasts.

Last Words

Some vaccinations will require two doses for the patient to be inoculated. This will require that you more than likely place a reminder for the second dose due date in your smartphone calendar or a similar place.

The Department of Public Health will use the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS) to collect data on COVID-19 vaccine doses administered rom health providers.

Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

Tee Johnson: Tee Johnson is the co-founder of AtlantaFi.com and as an unofficial ambassador of the city, she's a lover of all things Atlanta. She writes about Travel News, Events, Business, Hair Care (Wigs!) and Money.