Monday is a big day for Georgians wanting to get the COVID-19 vaccine. That’s the day public health departments in the state will begin offering it to those who are 65 years or older and their caregivers.
Habersham Medical Center is also opening a vaccination clinic. The Demorest-based hospital has several hundred doses of the Moderna vaccine still available after receiving an initial shipment of 500 doses on December 23. The hospital has administered over 140 of those doses to its staff and local first responders.
Habersham Medical Center’s vaccination clinic opens on January 11 and will operate weekdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. while vaccine supplies last. Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, call HMC at 1-855-990-HELP (4357), option 2.
Public health departments will administer both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Which shot you get will depend on supplies.
Health departments also require appointments and are now asking people to make those appointments online.
Vaccines are for residents who live or work in the counties served by their respective public health districts. In Northeast Georgia, visit phdistrict2.org or Northeast Health District.
For a directory of other health districts in the state, click here.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is setting up a call center for those unable to register online. That phone number will be available on Monday, January 11. Check your local health district’s website and social media pages for updates.
“Due to the high demand for the vaccine, we ask that everyone be patient as we schedule residents to get vaccinated,” says District 2 Public Health spokesperson Dave Palmer.
What you need to know and do
Remember, you must meet the criteria for Phase 1A vaccinations to be eligible to get vaccinated now. You’ll need a government-issued photo ID and, if you have insurance, be sure to take your card with you. While the vaccines are free, insurance will help pay to offset the cost for administering the vaccine, Palmer says.
“So many people in our communities and across the country are looking forward to receiving the COVID 19 vaccine. They want to get back to some sense of normalcy,” says HMC Vice President of Culture and Wellness Kesha Clinkscale. “Our initial shipment of the Moderna vaccine will help put us on that path.”
Before getting vaccinated, health officials urge you to read the product-specific safety information. The information can be found in the Emergency Use Authorization fact sheets on the Food and Drug Administration’s website or by clicking on the links below.
Consent forms are required. Download the form and fill it out before your appointment and be sure to take it with you. This will help speed up the process.
Click on the link below to download a consent form or ask your provider for one.
On the day of your vaccination, plan to remain for post-vaccination observation for up to 30-minutes. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses. Speak with your vaccine provider about scheduling your follow-up appointment.
