The Georgia Department of Public Health has launched a new service to keep state residents informed about COVID vaccines.
State public health commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey this week announced the state has opened a call center to answer Georgians questions about the vaccination program. The automated call center provides targeted information for both health professionals and the general public. It offers a variety of options including pre-recorded messages about the vaccine’s availability and side effects.
The Georgia Public Health COVID Vaccine and Contact Tracing Assistance Line can be reached at 1-888-357-0169. Callers should be prepared to follow a series of prompts to get the information they’re seeking. The public may also access vaccination information through the department of health website.
Weathering the storm
Dr. Toomey announced the call center Monday during a visit to Gainesville with Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Department of Community Health Commissioner Frank Berry. They held a press conference at PruittHealth’s The Oaks to give an update on the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Georgia has been vaccinating frontline healthcare workers since December 17. This week, Kemp announced the first vaccinations for residents in long-term care facilities.
“While we wait for the vaccine to be available to the general public, we need all Georgians to hunker down and follow prevention measures,” the governor said. “Wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distance, and follow the guidance of Georgia Department of Public Health officials.” Kemps added by working together, Georgians can “weather this storm.”
