GAINESVILLE – The surge of COVID-19 cases across the country continues. Ninety-seven percent of the new cases are occurring among the unvaccinated, according to federal health officials. And in Georgia, that accounts for more than half the state. Only 40% of eligible Georgians have been fully vaccinated, DPH figures show. Georgia ranks 45th in the nation for the percentage of adults who are fully vaccinated, the Times reports.
The data points to another possible surge forming in Georgia, and that has health officials worried. Northeast Georgia area physicians urge people to take action before the situation grows worse.
“Even with the new Delta variant that’s arrived, it’s rare for anyone who is vaccinated to develop infection,” says Dr. Supriya Mannepalli, Medical Director for Infectious Diseases at Northeast Georgia Health System. “The most important thing to remember when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine is that it prevents severe or critical illness and saves lives.”
Next week, Northeast Georgia Physicians Group is hosting a vaccine clinic for those 12 years of age and older who still need the shot. They’ll be administering the Pfizer vaccine. The clinic will be from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, at the NGHS Corporate Plaza located at 3137 Frontage Road (in the old Sam’s building) in Gainesville.
NGPG encourages people to sign up now.
Dr. Mannepalli says even those who have had COVID-19 should get vaccinated.
“We believe that the immunity generated by the vaccine is more robust and longer-lasting than natural immunity. Additionally, we continue to study the COVID-19 variants, and the data we have today show that the vaccine is effective against the variants,” she says.
To schedule an appointment, visit https://www.nghs.com/vaccine-clinic/. To find other vaccine providers in your area, visit the statewide vaccine finder on the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website.
