New Location for COVID Vaccine in Pickens

JASPER, Ga. – Beginning Monday, February 1, the North Georgia Health District (NGHD) announced that it would relocate its COVID-19 vaccine operations to the Pickens County Recreation Department.

“These changes will allow more people to be vaccinated, so that as additional vaccine becomes available, health department staff will be in position to vaccinate larger numbers of people,” says Jennifer King via press release. Interim health director Dr. Zachary Taylor says that this should be another positive step to rapidly and effectively administer the COVID-19 vaccine to even more members of our community.

This relocation does not affect the current Phase 1A that Pickens is mandated to follow. Meaning only healthcare workers (e.g., physicians, nurses, pharmacists, EMS, laboratory staff, environmental services, etc.), those working or living at a long-term care facility, or anyone 65 years and older and their caregivers are eligible for the vaccine.

Nearly 30,000 individuals residing in the NGHD have received the vaccine since the program was initiated on December 18. This figure is in conjunction with a drop of 1,500 current hospitalizations since Georgia’s record high on January 13 according to The COVID Tracking Project. While for some the vaccine was just the answer they were looking for, high demand has people on edge as they realize that appointments to obtain a vaccine are full. NGHD urges residents to regularly check the website or its social media for updates on appointments as they become available. Previous appointments that were made will be honored.

Residence in all but Whitfield County should note that only the Moderna vaccine is available to eligible patients.

The Pickens County Recreation Department is located off 1329 Camp Road in Jasper.

Times of operation will be Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 12 AM and 1 PM – 3 PM. Friday will only be from 8 AM – 12 AM.