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September 29, 2021 – Southeast Georgia Health System has begun administering free
PfizerCOVID-19 booster shots to a larger segment of the general population as recommended by the Food
and Drug Administration and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Health System began administering third dose
Pfizer and
Moderna vaccines to a limited group of immunocompromised individuals in August.
The Health System will now also provide a third Pfizer shot to those who
meet the CDC criteria issued September 24.* Pfizer booster doses are only
approved for individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine more than six
months ago. Qualifying individuals include:
- people age 65 years and older,
- residents in nursing home and long-term care settings,
- people age 18-65 with certain underlying medical conditions, and
- people age 18 and older who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure
because of where they work, such as health care settings, schools and
homeless shelters.
“Studies have shown that the vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19
infections decreases over time,” says Michael D. Scherneck, president
and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “Giving at-risk individuals
the opportunity to receive a third dose will help to keep them safe, especially
if our communities experience another transmission surge such as the one
we recently suffered.”
According to the Department of Public Health website, 47% of Glynn County,
36% of Camden County and 38% of McIntosh County are fully vaccinated.
The percentages are even lower for Brantley (23%) and Charlton (21%).
On Tuesday, September 28, the Health System was treating 42 positive COVID-19
inpatients on its Brunswick Campus and 5 on its Camden Campus; only 4
of the 47 inpatients were vaccinated. At the peak of the recent surge,
the Health System reported a total of 168 positive COVID-19 inpatients.
“We will continue to offer first and second dose Pfizer vaccines
to everyone age 12 and older, as well as first and second Moderna doses
to those age 18 and older,” says Adam Brown, CMPE, director, Physician
Practices, Southeast Georgia Physician Associates. “Those who qualify
for the Pfizer third dose should bring their vaccine card indicating that
the second dose was given at least six months ago.”
Currently, Moderna third doses require a physician’s note documenting
that the individual (18 years and older) has an immunocompromised condition.
“We are very hopeful that Moderna will soon receive FDA and CDC
approval for third doses,” says Scherneck. “Until that time,
individuals must bring documentation from their physician stating that
they meet the CDC criteria for immunocompromised conditions.”
Individuals must receive the same vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna, for each
dose. Appointments are strongly encouraged to ensure vaccine availability
and can be scheduled by visiting sghs.org/covid19-vaccine. The schedule
is as follows:
- Brunswick Campus: Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
- Camden PSA Recreation Center, 1050 Wildcat Drive, Kingsland: Mondays, 8
a.m.-3 p.m.
*Full details of the CDC criteria can be found online at
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html