Dr. Voccio: COVID vaccine could arrive next week

December 8, 2020–1:20 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

We could be getting a COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week.

That’s the word from Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the ten-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District.

“I do not have the final immunization recommendations at this time because they are being finalized by the state,” he said.  However, the vaccine at first will be for people who are caring for COVID-19 patients meaning hospitalists, intensivists, respiratory therapists, ICU nurses, ER doctors, and ER nurses.  Then also, people in convalescent facilities and staff, and then it will be designated from there.  There will be weekly supplies of the vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna.”

Plans are already underway locally for the vaccine distribution.

“We’ve had numerous discussions with all of the local healthcare providers,” Dr. Voccio said.  “We have a COVID vaccine coalition out together by Dr. Ed McBride and we are coordinating with all the healthcare facilities in Northwest Georgia and the large practice groups.”

Of course, we will have more updates as we get closer to the distribution.

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention photo)

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