LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL) — The Lowndes County Health Department began contacting people Thursday to cancel first dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments due to a shortage in vaccines.
The health department said that people that have appointments for their second dose will not be affected. Right now, the department says second dose appointments are their current priority.
“Individuals that have scheduled second dose appointments at Lowndes County Health Department or in our drive-thru will not be affected,” says Grow. “While we sincerely regret this has happened within our district and throughout Georgia, we are thankful for other enrolled providers that will be able to continue vaccinating persons within our community that are at high risk.”
Health department staff will keep a list of all appointments canceled and these individuals will be contacted first when we receive an adequate supply of vaccine to reopen appointments, LCHD said in a press release.
Individuals that will not be able to receive their vaccine from Lowndes County Health Department are encouraged to visit the DPH Vaccine Locator. All enrolled providers that offer the vaccine to the community are listed on this website.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, vaccine supply is limited in the U.S., and Georgia only receives what the federal government allocates.
“We must ensure anyone who received their first dose of COVID vaccine at Lowndes County Health Department or in our drive-thru at the Civic Center receives their second dose,” said Dr. Grow. “Unfortunately, manufacturers are not able to keep up with the demand currently in the United States.”
People are asked to not call the health department immediately but to wait for a staff member to contact them.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID vaccine supply at Lowndes County Health Department, click here.
