Mia Overton
moverton@thefranklinpress.com
The increasing number of vaccinated adults has led to the lifting of mask and social distancing requirements that have been in place for more than a year now. As of Monday, May 17, about 38.4 percent (or 13, 773) people in Macon County are fully vaccinated, according to Kathy McGaha, public health director.
With the recent authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for 12-15 year olds, McGaha said the Health Department will be working to reach that large segment of the population (and their guardians). Several families have already pre-registered their children for future clinics.
The Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine approved for children. The health department does not yet have the vaccine on hand, but McGaha said she does not have any concerns about the vaccine supply. Dates for clinics for 12-17 year olds will be announced at a later date.
Parents can pre-register their child by calling Macon County Public Health at 828-524-1500. Parents may choose to have their children vaccinated before the clinics by checking with authorized providers to see if they have the Pfizer vaccine available.
About 23 students were vaccinated at a clinic the Health Department conducted last month for 16 and 17 year olds. “We will continue to look for ways to get the younger Macon County citizens vaccinated, if they (and their guardians) choose,” McGaha said. One issue with the clinic was the timing of it, and parents not being able to get off work to bring their children to the clinic. “We are taking those barriers into account as we plan future clinics and are doing our best to serve our community without diminishing our ability to provide quality care.”
Adult vaccinations
Locally, the demand for adult vaccinations had lessened even prior to last week’s announcement regarding the relaxed safety requirements.
“At this point, those who were most excited and eager to get the vaccine have done so. Now, we as a community have to encourage those who have not gotten their vaccine to do so for their community and family,” McGaha said.
The Health Department is sending education to physicians about the vaccines and their effectiveness at preventing the spread of COVID-19 and continues to work on various public education campaigns that encourage vaccination. The health education staff is available for presentations to community organizations that would like more information about the vaccines or the vaccination process.
McGaha said there is a fairly good response for adults getting their second dose of the vaccine, but that the numbers could be better. “We encourage those who miss their second vaccine appointment to reschedule if they are unable to make their original appointment.”
She said the Health Department also continues to work with historically marginalized populations, specifically the Latinx population, though the department is recording positive numbers within the Latinx community. Shots have been provided to inmates, if they choose, at the jail. “We are looking at ways that we can continue to provide vaccinations as vaccine demand decreases and allows us to get back to normal services,” she said.
First dose appointments are now available on Wednesday at the Health Department. “We are switching to this schedule to allow for more of our staff to return to their regular duties and responsibilities to continue to provide essential services to the community,” McGaha said. “Our hope is that with us beginning to limit the number of vaccine days, we will be able to potentially do more community based clinics.”
To schedule a vaccination through the Health Department, call 828-524-1500. The call center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
In addition to the Health Department, vaccines are available at Smart Pharmacy, U Save It, Walgreens, Ingles (the Georgia Road location), Walmart, and Highlands Pharmacy in Highland. Vaccines may also be available at a person’s primary care physician’s office.