Georgians 16+ eligible for COVID-19 vaccine starting Thursday

GEORGIA — In a Tuesday press briefing, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced all adult Georgians, and 16 and 17-year-olds, will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting this week.

At this time, only Pfizer’s vaccine is approved for 16 and 17-year-olds.

QUICK LINKS: How to make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in the Jacksonville area

Action News Jax Medical Expert, Dr. Michelle Aquino, explained why.

“When we did the studies, the numbers just worked out the way that they worked out,” said Dr. Aquino.

“Meaning, Pfizer had enough people that went down to the age of 16 and up, for them to be able to have enough data to be able to include people that are 16 and 17-years-old, and be able to say, ‘they are safe to get the vaccine based on our data.’”

The state received 450,000 vaccines this week, including both first and second doses, and officials expect the state to receive more of the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines next week.

>> More on the COVID-19 vaccine

Kemp said that compared to the other states, Georgia has been shipped the second-fewest number of vaccines per 100,000 residents, according to the CDC website.

Anyone that wants to get a vaccine MUST make an appointment online. To register click HERE. You must also be a Georgia resident to get the vaccine.

Cox Media Group