Atlanta

Kemp asks public for patience as first vaccines roll out

By Richard Elliot, WSB-TV
By Richard Elliot, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and the state’s top health official made a public show of their confidence in the new COVID-19 vaccine Thursday.

Dr. Katherine Toomey publicly rolled up her sleeve for her first shot to prove that it is safe. Recent polls show that as many as 30% of Americans have concerns about the virus.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Coronavirus Pandemic in Georgia]

Channel 2′s Richard Elliot was there as Toomey gave a big thumbs-up after getting her shot.

“I am so relieved, and so excited,” Toomey said.

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Toomey joined Kemp and Grady Memorial Hospital CEO John Haupert for the demonstration.

Kemp said he plans to get a vaccine too -- as soon as it is his turn -- but reminded the public that while front-line workers and nursing home patients and staff are getting the vaccine, it will still be months before the general public can get it.

“Believe me, I know people are ready to return to normal,” Kemp said. “I am, as well. But we are too close to winning this fight to give up now.”

He also said that Georgia, like other states, won’t be getting quite as many Pfizer vaccine doses as originally expected. In total, 60,000 are expected to arrive next week rather than the nearly 100,000 that the state thought it would receive.

Still, Kemp said he does anticipate the Moderna vaccine will make up the difference.

Kemp said this will be the biggest logistical challenge in the history of the state of Georgia and acknowledged that it won’t always go smoothly. Kemp is asking for patience.

More than 200,000 additional doses of the vaccine should be in Georgia by next week.

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