Weekly Update for 7.9.21

As Delta Variant Spreads in the US, the First Lady Visits Savannah to Encourage Vaccination

Let's start with some hard truths:

• The Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is now the dominant strain in the United States.
• The Delta variant is more contagious than previous variants.
• The virus is spreading most quickly in areas with low vaccination rates.

But there's also hopeful news: 

• People who are fully vaccinated are protected from the Delta variant.

If you're fully vaccinated, you have excellent protection against the known variants of the coronavirus, including the Delta variant. However, as long as the virus can still spread and mutate, we could eventually see a variant that evades our protection.

We're in a race to get people vaccinated before the virus can create a more dangerous version. That's why leaders from all levels - federal, state, and local - are renewing their appeals for widespread vaccination against COVID-19. 

"Today we are finally getting back to the things that we lost, like hugging the people we love, catching up with friends face to face, and smiling at strangers," said Dr. Biden. "But as far as we've come, we're not done yet. Right now, only 44% of Georgia residents have had at least one shot and that's just not enough, which is why we came to Savannah today. To everyone who is listening, I'm here to ask you - to plead with you - to please get vaccinated."

The Chatham County Health Department vaccinated several individuals at the clinic including Alfred Smith, a veteran of the US. Air Force. Smith received his vaccine while the first lady and Senator Warnock stood at his side. When she asked him why he chose vaccination, he said "It's just the right thing to do." 

"The holiday we celebrated, the Fourth of July, is about freedom, and that's what this is about. It's about getting our lives back," said Sen. Warnock. "So spread the word; tell people don't fear the vaccine, be concerned about the virus."

COVID-19 vaccinations are free and readily available. In addition to your county health department, vaccines are available in many local pharmacies and healthcare facilities. 

For vaccination at one of the 8 county health departments in the Coastal Health District, visit chdcovidvax.org. To see other vaccination sites, visit vaccines.gov. 

Mobile Clinics in the Coastal Health District

The Coastal Health District and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) have several mobile vaccination clinics scheduled in the coming weeks.

These pop-up vaccination clinics are open to anyone age 12 and older, and there is no cost for vaccine. You can pre-register for an appointment, but walk-ups are also welcome.

• Jasper Spring Church
  62 Smith Ave., Savannah
  Saturday, July 10, 1p-4p
   
• Parent University Graduation
  11935 Abercorn St., Savannah
  Saturday, July 20, 10a-12p
   
• Connor's Temple Baptist Church
  509 W. Gwinnett St., Savannah
  Sunday, July 11, 11a-1p
   
• St. Marys First Presbyterian Church
  100 Conyers St West., St. Marys
  Friday, July 16, 10a-1p

• Cypress Bay Baptist Church
  281 Charles Shuman Rd., Pembroke
  Friday, July 16, 10a-2p
   
• MedBank
  836 East 65th St., Savannah
  Saturday, July 17, 1p-4p
   
• Paynes Chapel AME
  2200 Albany St., Brunswick
  Sunday, July 18, 10a - 2p
   
• Shuman Recreation Center
  800 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville
  Mon. & Tues., July 19 & 20, 9a-2p
   
• College of Coastal Georgia
  1 College Drive, Brunswick
  Thursday, August 19, 9a-2p

Your Vaccine Story

- Tia Z. Brightwell

Tell us your vaccine story!

If you've received the COVID-19 vaccine, why was that the right choice for you? We'd like to hear your COVID-19 vaccine story. We may share it here and at YourVaccineStory.com to help inform and inspire others. 

Click the button below and tell us Your Vaccine Story!