The Coastal Health District is now offering booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who meet the following guidelines: individuals age 65+, residents in long-term care settings, individuals age 18+ with underlying health conditions, and individuals age 18+ at increased risk for COVID-19 because of where they work or live. Booster doses are available for these individuals who received the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine more than six months ago. The DPH added booster shots have not yet been approved for individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson or the Moderna vaccine.
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported a total of 1,213,586 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide on Monday. Of that number, 6,609 were added since Friday and 528 were recently admitted to hospitals. The state DPH reported 138 new deaths for a statewide total of 22,122. Nine new deaths were reported in Chatham County; one new death was reported in Bryan County and three new deaths in Effingham County. The updated numbers are as of just before 3 p.m. Monday.
As of Monday, Chatham County reported a total of 31,916 positive cases — an increase of 176 since Friday — and nine new deaths for a total of 558. Bryan County reported 4,472 positive cases — an increase of eight — and one new death for a total of 52. Effingham County reported 6,748 positive cases — an increase of 26 — and three new deaths for a total of 118.
All three Coastal Empire counties are in the "yellow" zone with two-week positive case rates hovering around 10% as of Monday: Chatham has a positive case rate of 9.9% for the past two weeks (11.9% overall); Bryan has a two-week positive case rate of 10.1% (13.0% overall); and Effingham reported a two-week positive case rate of 9.6% (14.0% overall).
According to the DPH vaccination dashboard, slightly more than half of all eligible Georgians (54%) are partially vaccinated with over 5.6 million having received the first dose of the COVID vaccine. Just over 4.9 million (47%) are fully vaccinated as of Monday. Chatham County reported 55% of its eligible residents -- just over 158,000 -- as having received the first dose; and just over 141,000 (49%) are fully vaccinated. In Bryan County, just over 19,300 (52%) of eligible residents have received the first dose and just over 17,000 (47%) are fully vaccinated. In Effingham County, just over 25,200 (42%) of eligible residents have received the first dose, and just over 22,000 (37%) are fully vaccinated.
Boosters different from third doses
Booster doses for the public are different from third doses for immunocompromised individuals.
Health departments in Georgia now offer a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to individuals with certain immune system concerns. Third doses are only recommended for immunocompromised individuals who previously received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Those seeking a third dose can provide documentation of their medical condition from their physician or sign a consent form attesting they have a qualifying condition. A list of qualifying conditions can be found at gachd.org/covidvaccine.
To make an appointment at a local county health department location, click on chdcovidvax.org or call the COVID-19 Vaccine Phone Line at 912-230-5506.
Barbara Augsdorfer is the education and nonprofits reporter for the Savannah Morning News. Reach her at BAugsdorfer@gannett.com or on Twitter @Babs7983.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Pfizer vaccine boosters now available at DPH sites; COVID cases up 6,600 since Friday
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