Monitoring Vaccine Availability

 

Submitted by Anna Lyle

As you are aware, multiple vaccines for COVID-19 have been distributed and administered over the last three weeks.  I encourage you to get a vaccine once it is available to you.  Because of the phased distribution of the vaccine, we will be eligible at different times depending on our age, health status, and county of residence. 

Forsyth County residents who are 65+ will be eligible for a vaccine beginning January 11^th.  Information released this afternoon by Forsyth County Government recommends that residents monitor the District 2 Public Health website.  As of Tuesday evening, registrations are available for healthcare workers only, but this should change soon.  Hall, Dawson, and Lumpkin counties are also in District 2.  If you reside in a different county, you can find your health district here.  Districts have different ways of handling registrations.  For example, one allows residents to pre-register to be contacted once they are eligible.  Another only allows registrations for specific groups and only when vaccines are on hand (in other words, no appointments available).

Despite the differences between districts, it’s my understanding from Chris Grimes (Director of Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency) that all districts must distribute the vaccines in the order determined by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).  Julie Walker with Georgia Public Library Service is in contact with DPH and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia to advocate for library workers to be included with essential workers and/or educational staff. 

I will continue to be in touch with Chris Grimes about options for FCPL staff to receive vaccinations.  Even if we are included with essential workers and/or educational staff, that timeline is not currently known. 

We will continue to pursue options at the state and local level, but there is no guarantee of a priority designation for library staff.  So, I encourage you to take advantage of any opportunity you have to receive the vaccine. 

Also, here’s another plug for the Q & A on Thursday:

Thu, Jan 7, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/510597733

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (408) 650-3123

Access Code: 510-597-733