Some north Georgia health departments to turn focus from testing to vaccination next week

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A handful of north counties announced Monday that some county health departments will transition their focus from COVID-19 testing to vaccinations beginning next week.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Coronavirus Pandemic in Georgia]

On January 11, testing will be offered Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. to symptomatic first responders, school employees and court staff only. In Cherokee and Whitfield counties, testing will continue to be provided to anyone who needs it Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. but by appointment only.

TRENDING STORIES:

FULL AUDIO: Call between President Trump, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on election

Georgia “miracle patient” released after months-long battle with COVID-19

Mother of teen killed over $10 launches new effort to stop ‘water boys’ in Atlanta

To make an appointment for testing in Cherokee and Whitfield counties, call 1-888-881-1474.

“This change will help meet the need to provide vaccines to a much larger portion of residents during the COVID-19 vaccination phases identified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” officials said.

Starting on January 11, adults 65 and older will be included among people eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine based on vaccine availability.

The vaccine will only be available to people who live or work in the county where they are to receive their vaccination.

Instructions on who can get a vaccine and when will be provided at www.nghd.org or on the North Georgia Health Department’s social media platforms.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]