Eligible residents in Northwest Georgia can now call a toll-free hotline number to make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination at their local county health department.
Jennifer King, spokesperson with the North Georgia Health District, said in a news release that due to an overwhelming response to expanded COVID-19 vaccination eligibility, the offices have run into some technical difficulties. Their websites have seen an increase in traffic that has affected the online system.
Eligible residents wanting to make an appointment to receive the vaccine should call 888-881-1474.
Starting Monday, Jan. 11, COVID-19 vaccines will be provided to residents of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties.
In the neighboring health district that includes Dade, Chattooga, Catoosa, Walker and Gordon counties, local health care workers and EMS personnel have been given the vaccine for the past couple of weeks, Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the 10-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, said in a news release.
IMPORTANT NOTE
This news story reflected the latest information the day it was posted but will not be updated when new developments occur. The Times Free Press is publishing the most up-to-date logistical information on our COVID-19 vaccine FAQ page here.
However, the district has been able to supply enough vaccine to give it to eligible residents in the Phase 1-A group.
"We wish we had enough vaccine available for everyone who wants it right now and regret we do not," Voccio said. "Until vaccine becomes more readily available, we ask for your patience and understanding. Everyone who desires the COVID-19 vaccine will ultimately be able to get it."
Eligible residents in those counties can still pre-register for a vaccine by calling their local health departments or by visiting nwgapublichealth.org.
Under Georgia's Phase 1-A rollout plan, the following residents are eligible for vaccines now:
- Staff in clinical settings such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, EMS, laboratory staff, environmental services or other similar employees
- Residents and staff at long-term care facilities who have been unable to get vaccinated
- All adults 65 years of age or older and their caregivers
- Law enforcement and fire personnel.
Residents will be able to make online reservations Monday when the site is back up and running at nghd.org.
Residents must preregister to be vaccinated and must register in the county where they live or work. Walk-ins will not be accepted, King wrote in the news release.
Contact Patrick Filbin at pfilbin@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickFilbin.