Category Archives: Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Natasha Young, Public Information Officer

DATE: October 26, 2021 PH: 770-531-5679 • FAX: 770-535-5958
[email protected]

MODERNA BOOSTER DOSES NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT 2 HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

GAINESVILLE – Booster vaccine doses for the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for specific groups of fully vaccinated individuals. Although the booster dose is not required, it will help fully vaccinated people maintain protection over the coming months.

It is important to note, COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death, but with the introduction of the Delta variant, public health experts noticed a reduction of protections against mild and moderate disease.

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial 2-dose series:
• 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For people who received the J&J COVID vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

Appointments are not required. If an individual prefers to schedule an appointment, they may do so using the VRAS scheduling system via the District 2 Public Health website. Hours of operation and locations may change due to demand. Reference the schedule of locations and hours posted on the public health website to ensure the vaccine site in your county is operational.

For more information on the COVID-19 booster dose visit the CDC website to learn more.

-END-

Covid-19 Daily Status Report Backlog of Cases

Posted on by

Atlanta – Today’s COVID-19 Daily Status Report will reflect more than 27,000 newly reported cases (PCR positive and antigen positive combined). Please be advised this number includes a backlog of cases that were not previously reported by several large laboratories. Continue reading Covid-19 Daily Status Report Backlog of Cases→

Habersham, Rabun and Stephens Counties to Open New Testing Sites

Posted on by

Free Covid-19 Test Site To Open In Rabun, Habersham, And Stephens Counties HALL COUNTY – District 2 Public Health is partnering with Mako Medical and LTS Labs to provide FREE COVID-19 drive thru testing at the Community Market in Clayton, Continue reading Habersham, Rabun and Stephens Counties to Open New Testing Sites→

PROTECT NORTH GEORGIA COMMUNITIES FROM COVID-19

Posted on by

REDUCE THE SPREAD OF THE OMICRON VARIANT WITH A LAYERED MITIGATION STRATEGY GAINESVILLE – COVID-19 cases have rapidly increased over the holiday weekend. The number of positive cases nearly doubled in Georgia since Friday due to the fast spreading Omicron Continue reading PROTECT NORTH GEORGIA COMMUNITIES FROM COVID-19→

Covid-19 Safety During the Holiday Season

Posted on by

DISTRICT 2 PUBLIC HEALTH ENCOURAGES COVID-19 SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON GAINESVILLE – COVID-19 cases are on the rise in District 2 Public Health counties. Vaccination remains the most important part of COVID-19 holiday safety protocols. Get vaccinated or get Continue reading Covid-19 Safety During the Holiday Season→

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by

GAINESVILLE – All women are at risk for cervical cancer, most often occurring in women over age 30. The main cause of cervical cancer is caused by an infection known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). When cervical cancer is found Continue reading January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month→