Newsletter from the Coastal Health District (July 23, 2021)

The following information is courtesy of the Georgia Department of Public Health Coastal Health District

 

Weekly Update for 7.23.21

High Transmission Rates, the Delta Variant, and How You Can Respond

Last Friday we sounded the alarm about rising case rates around our district, and unfortunately the news isn't getting better.

We're seeing increased transmission across all 8 of our coastal counties, seven of which have transmission levels in the "high" category.

Nationwide, the Delta variant is now the dominant strain of coronavirus in new infections, and research indicates this variant spreads much, much faster than the original virus.

Our vaccines are doing what they're supposed to do - preventing many infections, lowering the viral load in vaccinated individuals who do get infected, and keeping the vast majority of vaccinated people out of the hospital and off ventilators.

But no vaccine is 100% effective, and we are experiencing some "breakthrough" cases in vaccinated individuals. While most of the people currently hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated, even some vaccinated people have been admitted to the hospital as well. 
  

So What Should I Do?

If you're 12 years old or older and haven't yet been vaccinated, you probably know what we're going to say next.

Get vaccinated. Please. 

Millions of people have been safely vaccinated. Vaccines are free and readily available. Vaccines offer strong protection from the worst COVID complications and reduce the likelihood you'll spread COVID in the community.

If you are 12 years of age or older, please visit your family doctor, a pharmacy, a health clinic, or the health department to get vaccinated. If your doctor doesn’t have the vaccine, you can come to the health department any time we are open, and you do not need an appointment to get the COVID vaccine.
  

Should I Wear a Mask?

We know masking works as part of a layered strategy to prevent the spread of illness. If you haven't yet been vaccinated, masks are strongly recommended.

And even though the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says fully vaccinated individuals don’t have to wear a mask in most situations, there are caveats.

The CDC acknowledges that even fully vaccinated individuals should consider wearing a mask if community transmission rates are high, particularly in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with other unvaccinated people.

If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep taking steps to protect yourself, like wearing a mask. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to manage your health and risks. 

 

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.

  • Keller's Flea Market
    5901 Ogeechee Rd., Savannah
    Sat., July 24, 12p-4p
     
  • National Night Out
    91 Lanier St., Pembroke
    Tues., July 27, 6p-8p
     
  • Cypress Bay Baptist Church
    281 Charles Shuman Rd., Pembroke
    Wed., July 28, 10a-2p
     
  • Thrive Early Learning Center
    465 Harris Trail Rd., Richmond Hill
    Fri., July 30, 2p-6p
     
  • Overcoming by Faith
    9700 Middleground Rd., Savannah
    Sat., July 31, 10a-12:30p
     
  • Cooper Center
    700 Davis Ave., Garden City
    Sat., July 31, 1p-4p
  • IGA Supermarket
    84 U.S. 84, Ludowici
    Wed., August 4, 9a-1p
     
  • St. Marys First Presbyterian Church
    100 Conyers St. West, St. Marys
    Fri., August 6, 10a-1p
     
  • MedBank
    836 East 65th St., Savannah
    Sat., August 7, 1p-4p
     
  • Paynes Chapel AME
    2200 Albany St., Brunswick
    Sat., August 14, 10a - 2p
     
  • College of Coastal Georgia
    1 College Drive, Brunswick
    Thurs., August 19, 9a-2p
More Info about Mobile Vaccine Clinics
 

Your Vaccine Story

"The reason why I chose to take the shots was because of my concern for my health and those around me. The vaccine is not only for my health but for the health of my community."

- Cornell Harvey, Mayor of Brunswick

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! 

Share Your Vaccine Story
 

COVID-19 Vaccines & Side Effects:
What to Expect

Side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine are normal, mild, and temporary. Common side effects include short-term injection site pain, tiredness, fever, chills, and headaches. By getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you are doing your part in stopping the spread. For more information, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine. 
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This article was originally published by The Landings Association on their website.

Visit landings.org to read the original article.
https://landings.org/news/2021/07/23/newsletter-coastal-health-district-july-23-2021