January 7, 2021 – Southeast Georgia Health System has announced it
will begin providing COVID-19 vaccines to individuals age 65 and over,
as well as police officers, firefighters and other first responders, on
Monday, Jan. 11, based on guidelines established by Governor Kemp on Dec. 30, 2020.
Vaccines are only available by appointment. Due to the current limited
vaccine supply, prioritization will be given to first responders and high
risk individuals. Those receiving the vaccine must be available for a
second dose 21 or 28 days later, depending on the type of vaccine received.
The vaccine is produced by private manufacturers and supplies are dependent
on those manufacturers.
“The vaccine gives us the opportunity to stop the spread, so of course
we want as many people as possible to get the vaccine,” says
Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO. “Our Health System team members have been given
the opportunity to be vaccinated and now, based on the governor’s
order, we are making plans to offer the vaccine to as many patients and
first responders as possible given the number of vaccines available. We
recognize that there are many people in our community who wish to receive
the vaccine and, as more supplies become available, we will work diligently
to ensure that everyone who desires a vaccine will receive one.”
Scherneck added, “We are exploring how we might partner with the
Georgia Department of Public Health, Coastal Health District to increase
access to the vaccine. As our supplies increase, we will offer an expanded
vaccine schedule to the community, including weekends. We want to remind
everyone, including those who receive the vaccine, that it’s extremely
important to continue to wear a mask, social distance and avoid large
gatherings for the health and safety of all of us.”
The Health System is currently contacting high risk individuals age 65
and older to schedule vaccine appointments—individuals do not need
to contact the hospital or physician’s office. Scheduled individuals
will be required to show identification. Due to the structured vaccine
process, the Health System is not able to accommodate walk-ins and vaccines
are not available at physician offices. A second dose will be provided
21 to 28 days later, based on the type of vaccine received.
Updated vaccine information will be available on the Health System’s
website at
sghs.org/covid-19.