The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals named its 2020 and 2021 Legislators of the Year in their first Annual Conference since 2019. The 2020 Annual Conference was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is exciting to gather again with the leadership of our Georgia community not-for-proft hospitals and thank them for the daily acts of heroism performed by their staff members to save the lives of Georgians,” said Monty Veazey, President and CEO of the Alliance.

“Likewise, I am proud to recognize State Representative Lee Hawkins as the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Legislator of the Year for 2020. Dr. Hawkins represents the ideals of servant leadership and of working to ensure that every Georgian has access to high quality, affordable health care services every day of the year,” said Veazey.

“For the 2021 Legislator of the Year, Senate President Pro Tem Butch Miller has stood at the forefront of his chamber, elected by his peers and his constituents in Hall County, and worked to ensure the strength of Georgia’s community hospitals network, and most recently, to combat the rising number of assaults against health care workers,” said Veazey.

“We hope this year has highlighted the importance of the services our member hospitals and their staff members provide for residents of Georgia. Without the careful stewardship of our not-for-profit community hospitals, the pandemic could have done far more damage to Georgia’s families and their livelihoods,” said Veazey.

The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, based in Tifton, Georgia represents not-for-profit hospitals ranging in size from the largest multi-campus, statewide hospital systems, to the smallest independent rural hospitals, and seeks to ensure the availability of high quality patient care for all Georgians, regardless of their ability to pay.

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Hamilton Medical Center has begun using the MAXAIR® controlled air purifying respirator (CAPR) system to provide unprecedented protection and comfort for healthcare workers who have extended exposure to patients with COVID or other highly transmissible diseases.

MAXAIR CAPR® Systems are advanced powered air purifying respirator systems approved by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Hazard (NIOSH) for protection against aerosolized and airborne particulates.

The MAXAIR CAPR Systems provide overall safety, comfort, convenience and cost effectiveness versus mask respirators and conventional powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). In addition, it provides an extra level of patient friendliness and better communication because patients can see the entire face of the healthcare provider.

“One of the best benefits of the MaxAir CAPR systems is that it provides greater freedom of movement while protecting the wearer from viral and bacterial pathogens,” said Perri Correll, director of Infection Prevention. “The simple design of the CAPR protects the wearer and makes it less intimidating to users and patients.”

The wearer’s ears are outside of the helmet so that the healthcare provider can use a stethoscope and a telephone.

The protection offered by the CAPR system is a step up from that of face masks. It provides a higher level of protection than N95 respirators in healthcare settings where providers may need to be with a patient for extended periods of time. N95 respirators, personal protective equipment for protecting the wearer’s face from contaminating particles or liquid, can also be uncomfortable.

“The MAXAIR CAPR keeps the wearer cool, comfortable and safe,” said Correll.

The CAPRs can be modified to be used in other pandemic emergencies like Ebola.

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Health system seeks to educate the community about SIDS and how to reduce SIDS risk

Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital invites the community to observe National SIDS Awareness Month during October by learning about how SIDS risk can be reduced.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of a child less than 1 year old that remains unexplained after a complete investigation. These deaths often occur during sleep, or in the baby’s sleep area. SIDS is one type of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which also includes suffocation, entrapment, trauma, and cardiac arrhythmias.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3,400 babies in the United States die each year from SUID. Of these, more than 1 in 3 are attributable to SIDS.

In Georgia, for every 100,000 births, 127.2 infants die from sudden unexpected events including SIDS. That figure is well above the US average of 90.1.

According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age.

Although the cause of SIDS is unknown, there are ways to reduce your infant’s risk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all of the following decrease the risk of SIDS:

• Infants should be placed on their backs to sleep until they reach 1 year of age. Side sleeping is not advised.
• Babies should be placed on a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress covered by a fitted sheet. No other soft objects should be placed near the infant, to reduce risk of suffocation. It is recommended that infants sleep in their parents’ bedroom, on a separate sleep surface, at least for the first six months, but ideally for the first year.
• Mothers should not smoke during pregnancy or after a baby’s birth. Parents are encouraged to set strict rules about smoke-free homes and cars to eliminate second-hand smoke exposure to infants. In addition, mothers should not use alcohol or drugs during pregnancy.
• Pregnant women should follow their doctor’s guidelines for frequency of prenatal visits. Babies whose mothers obtained regular prenatal care are at a lower risk for SIDS.
• Recent evidence suggests that vaccines may protect against SIDS. Infants should regularly receive well-baby checkups and should get their shots on time as recommended by their doctor.

SIDS cases have declined in the last 30 years, following the release of The American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations in 1992. Despite that decrease, “the risk of death from SIDS in the first year of life is still 20 times higher than the risk of death during any of the next 17 years,” said Dr. Christy Peterson, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. “All of the following decrease the risk of SIDS: non-prone sleeping, safe sleep practices, routine vaccines, prenatal care for the mother, and the absence of a smoking history in the mother.” 

Premature infants also face an increased risk of SUID, but parents and guardians can take steps to reduce risk.

“Studies have shown that following the same principles of back to sleep, breastfeeding, avoidance of tobacco and other recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics play a role in protecting preterm infants as well,” said Dr. Mitch Rodriguez, a neonatologist and medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and business development officer for Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital.

To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist, and to learn about our children’s services, visit https://childrenshospitalnh.org/.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

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The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced Atrium Health is one of 44 health systems named to the 2021 Joy in Medicine™ Recognition Program. This distinction recognizes the Atrium Health enterprise – including the greater Charlotte area, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, Georgia and Floyd health system in Rome, Georgia – for its demonstrated commitment to preserving the well-being of health care team members by engaging in proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

“This recognition is a testament to Atrium Health’s dedication to its clinicians’ well-being, especially during the pandemic,” said Dr. Scott Rissmiller, executive vice president and chief physician executive for Atrium Health. “By encouraging multidisciplinary teamwork, promoting innovation and fostering emotional resilience, our physicians and advanced practice providers can continue to provide outstanding care for our patients every day. We are honored to be named among the best in the nation for our commitment to our colleagues’ professional and mental health.”

A national study examining the self-reported experiences of physicians and other providers who worked in health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic found that 38% experienced anxiety or depression, 43% suffered from work overload and 49% had burnout.

“Since early last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed extraordinary stress on health care professionals,” said Dr. Kevin High, president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. “Health systems have experienced unprecedented challenges. It is more important than ever to focus on the well-being of care teams and to combat higher rates of work overload, anxiety and depression. Atrium Health is proud to lead in promoting an organizational culture that empowers and supports our clinicians.”

Candidates for the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program were evaluated according to their documented efforts to reduce work-related burnout through system-level drivers. Scoring criteria was based on demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork and support.

Atrium Health formed its “Best Place to Care” initiative to empower physicians to maximize their passion, potential and performance as they live out the organization’s mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing for all. The group’s focus on well-being has resulted in numerous initiatives, including:

• Executing a workforce manager system in ambulatory practices to ensure clinicians have adequate staffing support;

• Providing a well-being helpline, available 24/7, to facilitate peer-to-peer, EAP, mental health and chaplain services;

• Establishing PeerNet, a system staffed by faculty members to help clinicians dealing with adverse clinical events as well as processes to reduce administrative burdens.

“This award validates what we’ve seen by implementing ‘Best Place to Care’,” said Dr. Patrice Walker, chief medical officer at Atrium Health Navicent. “Atrium Health is a leader in understanding the needs of clinicians and working to create the best environment possible.”

Launched in 2019, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is a component of the AMA’s practice transformation efforts, an ambitious initiative to advance evidence-based solutions that fill the knowledge gap in effective solutions to the physician burnout crisis. View the full list of Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program recipients here.

About Atrium Health Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is an integrated, nonprofit health system with more than 70,000 teammates serving patients at 38 hospitals and more than 1,400 care locations. It provides care under the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist name in the Winston- Salem, North Carolina, region, as well as Atrium Health Navicent and Floyd in Georgia and Alabama. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest School of Medicine is the academic core of the enterprise, including Wake Forest Innovations, which is advancing new medical technologies and biomedical discoveries. Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing more than $2 billion per year in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits.

Hamilton Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) has received reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services for its compliance with national standards of excellence. HEMS initially was certified in 2018.

HEMS is one of more than 180 ambulance services in the nation to successfully complete the voluntary review process, which includes completion of a comprehensive application and on-site review by national experts in emergency medical services (EMS). HEMS is one of only nine in Georgia to hold this certification.

The Commission is a non-profit organization which was established to encourage and promote quality patient care in America’s medical transportation system. The primary focus of the Commission’s standards is high-quality patient care. This is accomplished by establishing national standards which not only address the delivery of patient care, but also the ambulance service’s total operation and its relationships with other agencies, the general public and the medical community. The Commission’s standards often exceed state or local licensing requirements.

“Our staff has been key to our successful completion of the process,” said Scott Radeker, HEMS director.

“Everyone here played a valuable role in our ability to meet the Commission’s high standards.”

CAAS accreditation is designed to help EMS agencies increase organizational performance and efficiency, increase clinical quality, and decrease risk and liability.  Accreditation provides a template for making comprehensive organization changes that improve the overall performance of the organization.  An independent review validates that accredited agencies are adhering to the highest standards in the industry.

HEMS is part of Hamilton Health Care System and the sole emergency medical transport service in Whitfield County. HEMS is designated by the state of Georgia as an Advanced Life Support service and responds to more than 15,000 9-1-1 calls and approximately 2,500 non-emergency transport calls per year.

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Tanner’s patient app makes managing healthcare easy

For Carrollton resident Beverly Parkman, an app from Tanner Health System is an answer to the anxiety she’s often felt awaiting a test result.

With more than 50,000 Tanner patients now using the app to schedule medical appointments, get test results, message their medical providers and pay their bills, Tanner’s MyChart has seen continued growth in the two years since the health system launched it.

And for patients like Parkman, it’s also offered peace of mind.

“Most of my doctors are on MyChart, so I can usually see my results in the app before they call or send a letter,” she said. “I like that. I don’t have to be waiting anxiously. I can get on with my day.”

Routine healthcare tasks — such as viewing test results, scheduling doctor’s appointments, requesting prescription refills, messaging healthcare teams and more — can be handled in just a few clicks. That’s made the app a godsend for patients engaged in their care like Parkman, as well as for patients juggling busy, multigenerational families.

Parkman also refers often to her calendar of upcoming appointments on MyChart, as well as the list of other things she may still need to schedule such as a flu shot or a mammogram. She also has the option of viewing test results as soon as they’re available and securely messaging her medical providers with questions.

“When I had pre-op tests for a surgery this summer, I was amazed that the results appeared on My Chart within about an hour and a half! They came through that quick!”

“If I am not sure what the results mean, the doctor is always available to provide more perspective or answer my questions,” Parkman said.

Parkman and her husband, David — both long-time volunteers at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton — have been using the app since its introduction at Tanner two years ago. Help with sign-up was offered as a perk for volunteers, and they went for it.

For the Parkmans, the app has made managing their care easier with features available around the clock.

Admittedly, she uses MyChart more than her husband does.

“He just doesn’t go to the doctor as often as I do. But when he does, he checks his MyChart,” she said.

David Parkman likes the app’s intuitive security features, such as the login with facial recognition instead of a password.

The Tanner MyChart app was launched in July 2019 as part of a new, single electronic health record across the health system to improve patient care and operation efficiencies.

The app provides patient insight to their care at Tanner’s own five hospitals and almost 40 practice locations across Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties, plus a growing list of independent practices that have signed on to participate in a special program called Community Connect. This creates a more complete patient record and makes MyChart available to more patients, while enabling these non-Tanner practices to maintain their independence.

Additional MyChart features include the ability to message your health care team through the app with questions, photos and other information; the ability to pay bills online and more.

A special proxy feature is also available to help manage health care conveniently and confidentially for young children or aging adults in the family who may need assistance.

“I highly recommend MyChart. It’s just so much quicker,” Parkman said. “I can still make a phone call if I need to, and that’s fine. It is nice to talk to people in the office. Life is short, and we have things to do!”

Learn more about Tanner MyChart — including how to sign-up for your own account – and watch a video about the patient app at Tanner.MyChart.org.

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Vaccines are available for eligible individuals who completed the Pfizer vaccine series

Atrium Health Navicent is now offering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to eligible individuals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended booster shots for certain groups of people who completed the Pfizer vaccine series at least six months ago, including individuals aged 65 and older, residents in long-term care facilities and individuals aged 50 to 64 who have an underlying medical condition.

Others eligible to receive a shot include individuals aged 18 to 49 with an underlying medical condition and those between ages 18 and 64 who are at high risk of exposure and transmission in a work or institutional setting. 

COVID-19 booster shots are available by appointment at Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care West Macon, 3780 Eisenhower Parkway in Macon.

Physicians at Atrium Health Navicent continue to urge everyone aged 12 and older to become vaccinated. First and second vaccine doses are available at Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care West Macon and Atrium Health Navicent Children’s Care Downtown Macon, 744 First Street in Macon.

To schedule an appointment for COVID-19 booster shots, first doses or second doses, visit COVIDSafeGa.org. Vaccine availability is allocated and managed by the state. A parent or guardian must accompany minors to all vaccine appointments.

“There is still a great need for those who have not received a shot to become vaccinated. Data has consistently shown that nearly all those who have developed severe COVID infections and required ventilator care in our intensive care units are unvaccinated,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “Vaccination remains our proven best method to reduce the spread of this deadly pandemic. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Get vaccinated today.”

Third doses of the Pfizer vaccine are also recommended for some immunocompromised individuals. Individuals with health questions about being vaccinated are asked to consult with their primary care physician.

There is currently no recommendation for boosters for individuals who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Vaccinated individuals and those waiting to be vaccinated are encouraged to continue to practice COVID-safe behaviors including wearing a mask in public, social distancing and frequent handwashing.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

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Physicians encourage screening for early detection and treatment

Atrium Health Navicent invites the community to participate in a month of Breast Cancer Awareness events to help raise awareness and encourage screening for early detection and treatment.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women. Women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetimes. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2021, about 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, leading to about 43,600 deaths.

For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Unfortunately, breast cancer will affect 1 out of 8 women. Due to better screening and improved treatment options, a majority of these women will lead a cancer-free life after treatment. There is overwhelming evidence that the earlier the cancer is detected, the higher the chance of survival. This stresses the importance of screening mammography,” said Dr. Paul Dale, director of the Atrium Health Peyton Anderson Cancer Center and a surgical oncologist at Atrium Health Navicent. “Even during these uncertain times of COVID-19, all of our screening facilities are open, so don’t put off that screening mammography! Early detection is the key to a successful cure.”

If you’ve delayed mammograms or visits to your doctor due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to get back on track with regular screenings. The ACS recommends that women who are aged 50 to 74 get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

To promote breast cancer awareness and education, Atrium Health Navicent has prepared a month-long celebration during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The following is a schedule of Atrium Health Navicent’s events and festivities:

Wednesday, Oct. 6

• Mammogram Marathon at Atrium Health Navicent locations from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary and walk-ins are welcome. All locations offer 3D mammography technology. Screening grants are available for uninsured and underinsured patients. Call 478-633-7020 to check grant eligibility. Locations include:
  • Atrium Health Navicent Breast Care Center, 800 First Street, Suite 310, Macon
  • Atrium Health Navicent Imaging and Laboratory, 1650 Hardeman Avenue, Macon
  • Atrium Health Navicent Imaging Northwest, 5925 Zebulon Road, Macon
  • Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin, 821 North Cobb Street, Milledgeville
  • Atrium Health Navicent Peach, 1960 Hwy 247 Connector, Byron
  • Atrium Health Navicent Imaging Monroe, 120 North Lee Street, Suite B, Forsyth

Thursdays, Oct. 7, 21 and 28

• Atrium Health Navicent Teammate Mammography Marathon. Atrium Health Navicent employees can schedule their yearly mammogram from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Atrium Health Navicent Breast Care Center, 800 First Street, Suite 310, Macon. Call 478-633-8130 to schedule.

Wednesday, Oct. 13

• Pink and Proud Day eco-friendly lantern release, 11 a.m. Atrium Health Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, 800 First Street, Macon.

Friday, Oct. 22

• Survivor Care-a-Van Parade to honor breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors will be honored with a socially distanced parade around Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dr. Paul Dale, director of the Atrium Health Peyton Anderson Cancer Center and a surgical oncologist at Atrium Health Navicent, will serve as grand marshal.

Atrium Health Navicent provides the latest technology for the early detection of breast cancer, including state-of-the-art 3D mammography and new SCOUT technology, as well as 3D biopsies, same-day biopsies, breast ultrasounds, 3D mammography, wireless breast localization biopsies, molecular breast imaging, and breast MRI.

To schedule a mammography appointment, call Atrium Health Navicent’s centralized scheduling department at 478-633-7020.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

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In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, South Georgia Medical Center is encouraging all eligible women to get their annual mammogram screening during the month of October and raising awareness of Breast Cancer prevention, screening and treatment with its Pamper and Prevent campaign.

Breast cancer still remains one of the most common forms of cancer found in women within the United States. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women in the nation will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

“Finding breast cancer early can really be the biggest life saver. We encourage all women starting at the age of 40 to get their yearly mammogram. At SGMC, we have the best technology to offer our patients with our Genius 3D mammography. We know it’s not everyone’s favorite experience, but we’re going to do our best to make our patients as comfortable as possible,” says Director of Pearlman Cancer Center Emily Wetherington.

The Genius 3D mammography machine allows radiologists to see significantly more than the traditional mammography machine. The 3D machine detects 20-65 percent more invasive breast cancer compared to a 2D mammography alone and is reported to reduce callbacks to patients by 40 percent.

The 3D technology is available at the SGMC Imaging Center and the SGMC Berrien Campus.

Interim Director of Radiology Leslie Lyons says, “The procedure is very safe and many of our patients say the discomfort is very minimal. It’s a quick and easy process and if we can help someone save their life through their yearly mammograms, it’s all worth it.”

To encourage women to learn more about breast cancer screenings and to schedule their annual mammogram, SGMC is giving women the chance to win a local spa package valued at $500. To enter visit sgmc.org/giveaway.

“As women, sometimes we forget to care for ourselves. We want to increase awareness about breast cancer, but we also want to support and care for those who are always caring for everyone else,” says Wetherington.

SGMC offers a comprehensive breast cancer program that includes imaging, surgery, and cancer treatment. SGMC’s Pearlman Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) and offers many of the latest cancer-fighting treatment options to include radiation therapy, advanced chemotherapy and biotherapy, surgical oncology, clinical trials including precision medicine trial and genetic counseling for cancer causing genes.

For more information visit, sgmc.org.

Southeast Georgia Health System Provides Free Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Vaccines

Southeast Georgia Health System has begun administering free Pfizer COVID-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.

“Studies have shown that the vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections decreases over time,” says Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “Giving at-risk individuals the opportunity to receive a third dose will help to keep them safe, especially if our communities experience another transmission surge such as the one we recently suffered.”

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.

*Full details of the CDC criteria can be found online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

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, three immediate care centers, five family medicine centers and numerous employed physician practices. The Health System has multiple outpatient specialty care centers, including the only CyberKnife^® M6 Program in Georgia, and a Cancer Care Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. 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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