Southeast Georgia Health System issued the following announcement on Sept. 29.
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.
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.
Original source can be found here.
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Source: Southeast Georgia Health System
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