5 Things To Know About Getting Vaccinated In Georgia

ATLANTA — More vaccines are coming to Georgia.

Gov. Brian Kemp's office announced Wednesday that the state will receive an additional 25,000-plus per week from the federal government. That will boost the previous weekly allotment from 120,000 to 145,900, Kemp said in a statement.

"Although we still expect demand to far exceed supply for the foreseeable future, this is no doubt welcome news, and we will work around the clock to get these vaccines distributed and safely administered as quickly as possible," Kemp said.

Now that coronavirus vaccines are available in Georgia, residents statewide want to know how to get the vaccine into their arms. The group now eligible for Phase 1A+ include adults 65 years and older and their caregivers, healthcare workers, and first responders including law enforcement and firefighters.

Because vaccination appointments are going are going fast — next week's scheduling at Publix are already booked up, for example — using the Georgia Department of Public Health's online Vaccine Location tool is helpful.

Kemp was among a chorus of governors who had been requesting a greater supply of vaccines. In a streaming video message tweeted on Tuesday, Kemp voiced his disappointment with the shortfall of vaccines when he announced the status of available vaccinations.

As of Tuesday, the state has been shipped 541,125 of the 546,000 allocated Pfizer vaccines, and 775,500 of the 776,000 allocated Moderna vaccines. As of Tuesday nearly 750,000 vaccines have been administered, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Appointments are only released based upon the number of vaccine doses available.
Patch is studying this fast-changing subject. Here are five things we know about the coronavirus vaccination process as of Friday.

1. Where do I register for vaccination in my city or county?

More than 1,900 providers are enrolled to administer the vaccine across Georgia, including area retail chains Kroger, Ingles, Publix, and U Save It Pharmacy.

For a complete list of all Georgia vaccine providers, see here.

NOTE: Vaccination appointments are released based upon the number of vaccine doses each county has available to them. If there are no appointments, officials are waiting for more vaccines.

2. Why can't I register for a vaccination appointment?

While it is frustrating for many, the sheer magnitude of residents seeking coronavirus vaccinations is causing certain reservation systems to crash. The process of vaccinating millions is daunting, but local officials have shared with Patch that as more vaccine doses arrive, the easier it will become to get an appointment.

If you have registered for a website at your county's request, "continue trying to log in," Patch has been told. Keep in touch with your physician as well as your area pharmacist, for recommendations on how best to make your appointment.

The Department of Public Health website will have information when more doses are released.

3. What happens at a vaccination point of distribution site, and what do I need to bring with me?

Patience is the first thing you should bring with you. Each vaccination appointment takes between four and five minutes to accomplish. With thousands vaccinating at Point of Distribution centers in a day, the wait is often long. If you are at a drive-up clinic, be sure you have a full tank of gas, water, and snacks. Be sure to bring your PPE, masks, and remember to social distance while waiting.

4. Should I be concerned about coronavirus variants and getting vaccinated for coronavirus? What are the side effects of the shots?

There are some vaccines like measles, that never change at all. Influenza vaccines tend to change year to year, according to WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan. The COVID-19 vaccine is believed to be well equipped to protect those vaccinated from the variants. "A couple of changes to the virus should not make the vaccines ineffective."

According to the CDC, the most common side effects are:

• Pain, swelling or redness in the arm where the shot is administered
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headache

5. When will I be safe from coronavirus? Are the 2 doses needed?

According to the CDC, depending on the specific vaccine you get, a second shot is mandatory within 3-4 weeks in order to receive the maximum protection against coronavirus.

Once you receive your vaccination, you should receive a card that tells which vaccine you received in the first round of vaccination, whether from Pfizer or Moderna, you will be advised of the approximate date for your booster shot (second dose). At your first appointment, you will either be signed up for a secondary appointment or will be told how and when to register for your booster.

NOTE: You must have the booster for the same brand of vaccine you received in the first round.
After your second booster shot, chances are, you'll be 94.1 percent protected from coronavirus with the Moderna vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is estimated to be 95 percent effective, the CDC website states. For now, Kemp said the goal is to get every dose available out as fast as possible, and prepare “for a day when we have more supply on hand.”

As the population of residents over the age of 65 has been hardest hit by the virus, getting seniors protected should ultimately lower the number of hospitalizations and open up Intensive Care Unit beds across the state.