DPH sending more COVID-19 vaccine doses to county where medical center vaccinated teachers

ELBERT COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Public Health says it is sending an addition 2,100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Elbert County after it imposed a six-month vaccine supply suspension on a county provider that’s been vaccinating educators.

“DPH took the action after learning the provider had been vaccinating individuals in the Elbert County School District who were outside of the current Phase 1A+ eligible population. The suspension became effective immediately for a term of six months, ending July 27, 2021,” the department said in a news release Friday.

The suspension comes as the Medical Center of Elberton moved beyond current state guidelines to meet demand of their teachers who have returned to face-to-face learning.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Sheriff identifies 6 people killed in chemical leak at Hall County plant
• DPH reports 18 cases of UK COVID-19 variant now confirmed across Georgia
• Georgia lawmaker to introduce resolution to censure Marjorie Taylor Greene, ask for her resignation

“We plan to appeal,” said Brooke McDowell, the center’s practice administrator.

DPH said it is sending the additional doses to five vaccine providers in the county including the Elbert County Health Department, Elbert Memorial Hospital, Ingles, Madden Pharmacy and MedLink.

“During the suspension, the facility will not receive any new COVID-19 vaccine shipments. The Medical Center of Elberton may use vaccine from their current inventory to administer second doses to patients who have received their first dose through the facility. Vaccine not required for those second doses will be picked up and redistributed for use in Elbert County,” DPH said Friday.

Georgia sits in Phase 1A+ category, prioritizing nursing home residents and staff, healthcare workers, first responders, and people are 65+.

There’s been an increased call from Georgia school leaders for educators to move up into the category, while state leaders cite a simple supply and demand issue.

Lawmakers' reaction to Elbert County vaccination suspension

Cox Media Group