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
natasha.young@dph.ga.gov

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.

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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

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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→

One Year Anniversary COVID Vaccine

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Our Best Protection Against COVID-19 Atlanta – One year ago today, the words Georgians had waited months to hear were finally being heard: “First shipments of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Georgia.” Twelve months since that first small allotment of vaccine, Continue reading One Year Anniversary COVID Vaccine→

FDA Authorizes Covid-19 Pre-Exposure Prevention for Certain Individuals

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GAINESVILLE – The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the first injectable monoclonal antibody medication for pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19 for certain adults and pediatric individuals (12 years and older). The pre-exposure therapy, Evusheld by Continue reading FDA Authorizes Covid-19 Pre-Exposure Prevention for Certain Individuals→

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Franklin County

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Lavonia – A raccoon in the area of Linton Avenue and Peachtree Street in Lavonia has tested positive for rabies. There have been additional raccoons sited recently in nearby areas as well, including the areas of Jones Street, Grogan Street Continue reading Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Franklin County→