IMPORTANT INFORMATION LATEST NEWS ON COVID-19 VACCINE AVAILABILITY & VEHICLE TAG OFFICES UPCOMING SHUTDOWN
News about the COVID-19 vaccine has many of us asking very important questions: Who is eligible? When and where will it be available? Are there any risks? I'm sure you would like answers to a long list of concerns.
The entire country is at the front end of the vaccine effort and certainly, there are challenges and new developments as the vaccine roll-out occurs. Right now, the initial phase of the vaccine effort has been focused on healthcare workers and long-term care facilities. The Governor recently changed the guidance and added individuals 65 and over to the initial phase. As a result, county Boards of Health and other vaccine providers have been re-setting their plans to provide vaccines to those over 65.
While we expect to learn much more information in the days and months ahead, here are highlights of the County's current vaccination plan that is being continually updated.
PEOPLE 65 & OLDER
COVID-19 vaccine will be available to everyone 65 and older on or about January 11, 2021
DO NOT show up at a vaccination site without an appointment as you will not be seen, since only a certain number of people are vaccinated each day
You do not need to have an underlying health condition to receive the vaccine. If you do have a health condition, please seek advice from your doctor prior to registering for the vaccine.
The goal is to have a form on the Fulton County Board of Health website as we approach January 11. Complete the form online and you will be contacted when a vaccine appointment is open.
If you don't have access to the Internet or need help completing the form, call our COVID-19 HOTLINE at 404-613-8150
Caregivers for those 65 & older will also be eligible for the vaccine the week of January 11. Please have them monitor the website for additional information.
There are numerous resources that offer COVID-19 vaccine scheduling updates and alerts as well as other information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, vaccine rollout schedules, providers (medical facilities and pharmacies) that have ordered the vaccine and much more.
Fulton County Board of Health: fultoncountyboh.org
Fulton County Epidemiology Reports: https://fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/epidemiology-reports
Fulton County Testing Information: https://fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/covid-testing-sites
If you need a vehicle tag or title, don't delay! The tag offices in Fulton County will be closed from January 12, 2021 through January 19, 2021 as the state upgrades its entire computer system. While the shutdown will pose a temporary inconvenience, the new system will offer us streamlined, improved services.
Prior to January 12, you can renew your registration in person at Fulton County Tax Offices (except the Government Center and Greenbrier Mall), online or at kiosks in several locations. You will not be charged a credit card or processing fee. If your registration expires during the shutdown week, you will not accrue penalties or interest.
For more information: eservices.drives.ga.gov or www.fultoncountytaxes.org.
PROTECT NORTH FULTON
For nearly a year now, we have heard about COVID-19 and its impact on our community, state, nation and the world. While some have "tuned out" information on the pandemic, hospitals have seen a surge of COVID patients in recent weeks and are operating well above 100 percent capacity.
That includes Wellstar North Fulton Hospital where more than half of the patients in the ICU are COVID positive and nearly 40 percent of all patients have the virus. The numbers are alarming and sadly, continue to rise.
Wellstar has launched a campaign to "Protect North Fulton" and the hospital needs our support. Health officials are urging us to join together to stop the spread of COVID. This includes wearing our masks, limiting all gatherings (even with close friends and family) and practicing social distancing.
While the vaccine is offering hope, it will take time for widespread distribution throughout our community. We must continue to respect the virus and do our part to keep family, friends, health workers and neighbors safe. Our best treatment is prevention. TOGETHER, we can protect North Fulton!
Commissioner Bob Ellis bob.ellis@fultoncountyga.gov
404-612-8216
