Yr in Review: COVID Vaccines Become Available at Start of 2021

As we head towards the end of 2021, we want to begin taking a look back at some of the big stories in Franklin and Hart counties over the past year, and we start with COVID.

In January, COVID vaccines became available for those age 65 and over, the medically homebound, and those with underlying medical conditions.

In March, Governor Kemp later announced plans to expand that group to include law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders.

“As we have said from the beginning of this pandemic, we will protect the most vulnerable from severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and ensure that Georgians can get back to normal as soon as possible,” said Governor Kemp. “With increased vaccine supply from the federal government and significant progress made in vaccinating Georgia seniors and other high-risk individuals, this expanded vaccination eligibility will enable more people to get vaccinated over the next few weeks.”

Health departments in the District II Public Health region, which includes Franklin, Hart, and Stephens counties, began administering the vaccine to those over age 65 on January 11 as vaccine supplies were available.

In the beginning, there was a rush to get the shot, but by spring, that had become a trickle and the CDC and District II Public Health went on a campaign to offer special vaccination clinics.

The Franklin County Health Department held vaccination clinics at the Lavonia Spring St. Gym, Royston Housing Authority and local businesses who requested them.

By the end of summer, booster shots came available and by December, children under the age of 12 were allowed to get the jab.