Kemp updating vaccine distribution as millions more Georgians get first doses

Governor Brian Kemp is holding a news conference on Tuesday about Georgia’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution as newly eligible residents receive their first doses across the state.

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Doctors are now warning people who got the first dose of the COVID vaccine to still take precautions.

According to CDC guidelines, people are still asked to wear masks.

“The bottom line for me is I want to live,” said Jarvis Wilson, who battled and eventually beat the coronavirus.

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Now he plans to do everything possible to stay virus-free.

“I’m following whatever the CDC guidelines say,” Wilson said.

Jarvis finally got the COVID-19 vaccine shot last week and said he’s taking no chances.

He plans to keep wearing a mask and keep a safe distance away from people.

“Just because I have the vaccine does not mean that I can take off everything and be like superman because the virus is not going anywhere,” Wilson said.

WSB′s Audrey Washington spoke with Dr. Cecil Bennett on Monday about the guidelines. He is the medical director of a primary care center in Newnan.

“I compare it to being in the fourth quarter of a game when we’re up and the game is almost over and that’s really when we need to be the most diligent,” Bennett said.

He said it’s important people still follow COVID safety precautions and infecting others with COVID, even in between doses, is still a possibility.

“Whether it’s the Moderna vaccine or Pfizer vaccine, between doses you’re looking at an effectivity rate of anywhere from 55 percent to 75 percent,” Bennett said. “If they encounter the UK variant or the Brazilian or South African variant there is a possibility of them getting sick but the possibility of getting severe sickness that puts them in hospital is almost zero.”

Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine

There are currently ten mass vaccination sites in Georgia: Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Albany Georgia Forestry Site, the Delta Air Lines Museum in Hapeville, the Habersham County Fair Grounds in Clarkesville, the Macon Farmer’s Market, the Columbus Civic Center, Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, the LakePoint Sports Complex in Cartersville, the Mall at Waycross Shopping Center and Word of Life Church in Sandersville.

Most major pharmacies, including Kroger, CVS, Walmart, Ingles, Walgreens and Sam’s Club also are providing the vaccine as well as county health departments. See the full list of vaccination providers HERE.

People who do not qualify yet are still encouraged to register at the state-run vaccine website, MyVaccineGeorgia.com, to get information on when they might be eligible.

Cox Media Group