Vaccinations and booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine were highlighted during the Sept. 29 briefing in South Caroliana and Sept. 30 in Georgia. Both states have crossed the 50% threshold for the number of people fully vaccinated.
Gov. Brian Kemp says more than 53% of Georgians aged 12 and old are fully vaccinated and more than 64% have had at least one vaccination shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website says nearly 60% of South Carolinians are fully vaccinated.
MORE: Georgia, South Carolina Health Officials Unsurprised by COVID-19 Booster Approval
Kemp said, “I want to emphasize the importance of not waiting for the next wave of COVID cases to get vaccinated. During our summer surge, many Georgians saw firsthand how the delta variant spread more quickly and led to the deaths of our fellow citizens.”
Kemp added, “I’m encouraging those that are unvaccinated to talk with your doctor or trusted medical professional about getting vaccinated for whatever may come our way later this year or in early 2022.””
Dr. Brannon Traxler, public health director with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, said they have seen in increase in the number of people getting vaccinated. They’ve also seen cases decline the last few weeks.
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“There are likely multiple contributing factors, but we know vaccines and masks play a role,” she said. “We need to increase both as we look to finally end this pandemic.”
Traxler said the delta variant, which is more easily transmissible, is still the most prevalent one being spread in the Palmetto State.
The approaching cooler temperatures of fall and winter are also a concern for health officials.
“As the weather cools off in the state, people will spend more time indoors,” said Traxler. “We know being indoors is a higher risk for transmission than outdoors. More people crowding into an indoor space could lead to spread of the virus.”
This time of year also increases the risk off another respiratory illness: the flu.
Dr. Kathleen Toomey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, urged everyone to get their flu shots. She said that anyone eligible for the Pfizer vaccine booster shot can get the booster and the flu shot at the same time.
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“I think there were concerns early on that you couldn’t do that; you had to wait several weeks,” she said. “It’s a great time to get your flu shot when you get your booster.”
Toomey said there’s plenty of flu vaccine available at health departments and throughout the state.
Both Toomey and Traxler talked about the CDC’s recent approval of booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine for several groups of people.
MORE: New COVID Variant Appears in Augusta and a Milestone Reached in South Carolina
On Sept. 24, the CDC approved the booster shots, following a recommendation by the Food and Drug Administration. Specifically, booster shots are authorized for people aged 65 and older, for individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19, for health care workers and for others with a high occupational or institutional risk of coronavirus exposure.
“The booster is designed to address what may be waning immunity, particularly seen in old individuals who have a less robust immune system,” explained Toomey.
Currently, the booster shots are available only for people who received the Pfizer vaccine. It is anticipated Moderna and the J&J vaccine will be approved for booster doses in a few weeks.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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