Northeast Georgians are clamoring to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Within hours of announcing it will host a series of vaccination clinics in the region, Northeast Georgia Health System announced its clinics are full.
People snatched up hundreds of appointments in Gainesville, Oakwood, Dawsonville, Winder, and Toccoa. Those visiting the NGHS website to schedule an appointment are now greeted with a message saying, “All of our vaccine clinic appointments are currently full. We hope to add more opportunities next week.”
There was a similar overwhelming response at Habersham Medical Center and public health departments this week, as they too began taking appointments for vaccinations. The rush follows the Department of Public Health’s decision to expand Phase 1A of its vaccine rollout plan to include those who are 65 and older and their caregivers.
Saying he knows how anxious patients are, NGHS Medical Director of Urgent Care Dr. Sakib Maya says, “It’s exciting to finally take this next step in the fight against the pandemic. I can’t wait to start seeing patients receive their vaccines on Monday morning!”
“We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community regarding the vaccine,” Habersham Medical Center’s Vice President of Culture and Wellness Kesha Clinkscale tells Now Habersham. “At this time, for those who would like to receive it and meet the criteria outlined in Phase 1A, they can call the hospital and ask to be placed on our waiting list.”
The number to call for a vaccination appointment at Habersham Medical Center is 1-855-990-HELP (4357). When you hear the greeting, dial 2. Then dial 1 to leave a message.
“While we have requested additional vaccine doses from the Department of Public Health, we do not know when they will arrive,” says Clinkscale.
District 2 Public Health, which oversees health departments in 13 northeast Georgia counties, is also currently out of vaccination appointments. Health care providers say they aren’t sure when the next round of initial shots will be available.
“We are offering as many appointments as possible with the vaccine supply and staffing resources we have available,” said Bobby Norris, vice president of operations for Northeast Georgia Physicians Group. “We will add more appointments – at more locations – as soon as we can. In the meantime, we appreciate everyone’s patience.”
Northeast Georgians may monitor vaccine availability at NGHS through social media. and the District 2 Public Health and Northeast Health District websites.
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