Copied from a Facebook post from this morning:
Good morning. I have recently heard several public health experts say “Let’s not turn good news into bad.” The Covid-19 picture continues to improve; we are experiencing what appears to be a sustained decline in the number of cases. This is true in Dunwoody, DeKalb, Georgia and the country. But our goal needs to be to continue to push the numbers of cases as low as possible. We all need to make the choices that will help sustain the decline in cases as the availability of the vaccine increases.Georgia still has some of the highest Covid-19 hospitalization and death rates in the country. As the pandemic eases, I hope that Georgians begin a conversation about access to medical and public health services and other issues that may be contributing to Georgia’s high Covid-19 hospitalization and death rate.
Yesterday, Governor Kemp announced that Georgia is expanding access to the Covid-19 vaccine. Beginning March 8th, educators and school staff, pre-k, k-12 and DECAL licensed or exempt childcare), parents of children with complex medical conditions and adults with intellectual and development disabilities and the caregivers. More details are forthcoming for eligible parents next week. You can pre-register here https://myvaccinegeorgia.com/
If you are 65 or over, a healthcare worker, or a first responder, and you haven’t yet located a vaccine, please email me at lynn.deutsch@dunwoodyga.gov and include your phone number. As more people become eligible it will become harder to get a vaccine at least until supply increases—there are neighbors who are willing to help you locate an appointment. (DeKalb and other providers are still catching up from the delayed Moderna shipment. If your second dose had to be rescheduled, please be sure to check your email for updated information.)
There is much good news associated with the vaccine rollout. Nationally, nursing home deaths have plummeted. As a reminder, nursing home residents and staff were generally the first to receive the vaccine beginning at the end of December. Dr. Toomey reports that Georgia nursing homes, once a primary source of outbreaks, have seen a stark decrease in the number of cases. This really positive news is happening despite fairly significant vaccine hesitancy among long term care facility staff.
Today, the FDA is expected to approve a request for an Emergency Use Authorization for Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine. This is a game changer as it is only 1 shot, doesn’t require refridgeration and is easier to distribute. While many people look at the 66% efficacy rate at preventing any virus as a negative, all three vaccines have the same effectiveness at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and deaths. Right now, the answer to the question what vaccine is best for me, seems to be the “one in your arm.”
Data from multiple studies in Israel is confirming that the vaccines are performing in real life like they did in the trial. “The vaccine fulfilled the promise that was there. And it was somewhat of a surprise to see that in a real-world setting, a vaccine was able to perform as well as it did in the very controlled setting of a clinical trial, where cold-chain is perfect and the people are being carefully selected,” said Balicer, who also chairs an expert panel that advises the Israeli government on the pandemic. https://www.statnews.com/…/pfizer-biontech-vaccine…/ Initial studies are also showing that the vaccines are reducing transmission risks.
As of yesterday, about 1.9 million vaccines have been administered in Georgia to 1.2 million people. Nearly 700,000 Georgians have now received 2 doses. Governor Kemp reports that we are receiving 70% more doses now than the middle of January. The White House is committed to a steady increase in vaccines and also giving states a three week commitment on doses for better planning. GA DPH is, in fact, going to roll out a statewide vaccine reservation system specifically for the public health sites. I hope I can provide a link by next week. As a reminder, you can find a list of vaccine resources here: https://www.dunwoodyga.gov/…/covid…/covid-19-vaccines/
Governor Kemp also indicated, that as the supply of vaccine continues to improve, we can expect even more Georgians to become eligible for the vaccine. He intends for the next expansion to include those under 65 with severe underlying conditions. Most of the experts that I have heard in the last week or so, expect that vaccine supply will increase pretty significantly over the next month or two.
Saturday and Sunday promise to be warm and offer a great opportunity to visit the Murals at Brook Run Skate Park in honor of Black History Month before the exhibit ends. You can read more about each artist here: https://www.dunwoodyga.gov/…/projects/parks-and-recreation And
Dunwoody Farmers Market
is back at Brook Run Park on Saturday morning from 9 AM to Noon.
Have a good weekend.
Stay home if you don’t feel well.
Avoid crowds and socially distance.
Wear you mask.
Wash your hands.
