On Monday, March 8th, more Georgia residents will become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Kathleen Toomey, announced last week that eligibility criteria will expand to include:

· All educators and school staff in pre-K through 12th grade

· Educators and staff in early childcare centers

· Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers

· Parents of children with complex medical conditions

The Coastal Health District is making plans to accommodate those included in the newly expanded group on March 8th. Meanwhile, plenty of appointment slots remain open this week for the current group of eligible Georgians.

“If you’re 65 years old or older, or if you’re a caregiver of someone over 65, I encourage you to make your appointment now,” said Health Director for the Coastal Health District, Dr. Lawton Davis. “As more people become eligible for the vaccine, we expect an increased demand for appointments, so this is a great time to book an appointment if you fall into the current phase.” Appointments can be scheduled online anytime at www.chdcovidvax.org, or by calling our COVID-19 Vaccine Phone Bank at 912-230-5506. The phone bank is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.