Southeast Georgia Health System Participates in COVID-19 Vaccination Phase 1a Expansion
Southeast Georgia Health System has announced it will begin providing COVID-19 vaccines to individuals age 65 and over, as well as police officers, firefighters and other first responders, on Monday, Jan. 11, based on guidelines established by Governor Kemp on Dec. 30, 2020.
Vaccines are only available by appointment. Due to the current limited vaccine supply, prioritization will be given to first responders and high risk individuals. Those receiving the vaccine must be available for a second dose 21 or 28 days later, depending on the type of vaccine received. The vaccine is produced by private manufacturers and supplies are dependent on those manufacturers.
“The vaccine gives us the opportunity to stop the spread, so of course we want as many people as possible to get the vaccine,” says Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO. “Our Health System team members have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated and now, based on the governor’s order, we are making plans to offer the vaccine to as many patients and first responders as possible given the number of vaccines available. We recognize that there are many people in our community who wish to receive the vaccine and, as more supplies become available, we will work diligently to ensure that everyone who desires a vaccine will receive one.”
Scherneck added, “We are exploring how we might partner with the Georgia Department of Public Health, Coastal Health District to increase access to the vaccine. As our supplies increase, we will offer an expanded vaccine schedule to the community, including weekends. We want to remind everyone, including those who receive the vaccine, that it’s extremely important to continue to wear a mask, social distance and avoid large gatherings for the health and safety of all of us.”
The Health System is currently contacting high risk individuals age 65 and older to schedule vaccine appointments—individuals do not need to contact the hospital or physician’s office. Scheduled individuals will be required to show identification. Due to the structured vaccine process, the Health System is not able to accommodate walk-ins and vaccines are not available at physician offices. A second dose will be provided 21 to 28 days later, based on the type of vaccine received.
Updated vaccine information will be available on the Health System’s website at sghs.org/covid-19.
About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, two comprehensive Cancer Care Centers and multiple specialty care centers, including orthopaedic and spine care, joint replacement, breast care, maternity, outpatient rehabilitation, sleep management and wound care. The Brunswick Campus Cancer Care Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and offers the only CyberKnife® M6 with MLC technology in Georgia. Additionally, the Southeast Georgia Physician Associates medical group includes more than 140 providers working in 20 different medical specialties at more than 50 locations. The Health System is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health and Southeast Georgia Health System forming a highly integrated hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. For more information, visit sghs.org.
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