Category: Covid-19 Vaccine

Disney, ESPNs parent company, is one of many large corporations requiring all employees to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, which has led to more than 722,000 deaths in the United States. As ESPN PRs Mike Soltys shared in the first link there (an Aug. 2 Bristol Presspiece on the Disney mandate, which was set to kick in this month), ESPN actually put in an earlier mandate of Aug. 1 for the people working live events for them. That included sideline reporters like Allison Williams.

Williams shared on Twitter last month that she wasnt on the sidelines for ESPNs college football coverage due to that mandate for live events staffers. With the wider corporate mandate now kicking in, unvaccinated employees have now had to make a further choice. Some, like Sage Steele, have grudgingly gotten a vaccineafter previously bashing it. Others, like Williams, are choosing to leave the company instead. Williams revealed that decision in a five-minute video posted to her Instagram page Friday:

A full transcription of Williams comments follows. End notes reflect unsourced statements Williams makes that do not align with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on COVID-19 vaccines, with those guidelines based on peer-reviewed scientific research. Links to specific information on those claims are available after the transcription. For now, though, heres a transcription of what Williams said:

So I know Ive been a bit mum since releasing the statement I put out a few months ago on my decision to not receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I just want to give everyone an update on my situation with ESPN. A great producer once told me Dont bury the lede. So I have been denied my request for accommodation by ESPN and the Walt Disney Company, and effective next week I will be separated from the company.

First of all, thank you, everyone, who reached out, texted, emailed, called, messaged me. I cant tell you how much light it brought in a really dark and difficult time. And Ive also had a lot of people and women in particular reach out and share their stories in regards to fertility and getting the injection. And to the women who got it and are having successful pregnancies and have babies in their arms, I am beyond thrilled for you. Congratulations; thats amazing, and terrific, and I believe you. To the women who have reached out and shared their experiences of getting the injection and subsequent miscarriages and menstrual irregularities, periods after menopause, I am so sorry that that is your experience, and I pray for you, and I believe you.

Belief is a word Ive been thinking about a lot lately, because in addition to the medical apprehensions regarding my desire to have another child in regards to receiving this injection, I am also so morally and ethically not aligned with this. And Ive had to really dig deep and analyze my values and my morals, and ultimately I need to put them first. And the irony in all this is that a lot of these same values and morals that I hold dear are what made me a really good employee, what helped with the success that Im able to have in my career.

And it wasnt that long ago that those values were aligned with the Walt Disney Company. In April, they sent out an email to all cast members, as they call employees, saying that they believed the vaccine was the best way forward, but ultimately, it was a personal decision. Their values have clearly changed.

I understand that. I dont know what its like to run a multimillion-dollar company and have shareholders and board members and financial quotas to answer to, not to mention societal and political pressure. So I respect that their values have changed. I had hoped that they would respect that mine did not.

Ultimately, I cannot put a paycheck over principle. And I will not sacrifice something that I believe and hold so strongly to maintain a career.

A lot of people have brought up the moral obligation receiving the vaccine is to being a good citizen. And I weighed that, and I thought about the implications. We all want to be good neighbors. We all want to end this pandemic. But ultimately, an injection that does not stop transmission and spread for me, does not weigh in morally.

So I want to just say to that I know Im not the only one walking away from a career they love, a profession that is a passion. And so many people that are in the same situation as me, serving society and benefiting this country in ways I could never do, they are nurses, they are teachers, they are doctors, they are police officers, and first responders, and they are most importantly our military, and pilots. And they too are choosing to put their beliefs first. And I just want you all to know I stand with you.

But I also want people to know who support these mandates that I will fight for you. Because if this is the direction we take our country, there will come a time when the government or corporations mandate you to get something that does not align with your values. Power given is seldom returned. And when that day comes, I want you to at least know that we fought, and we tried.

I dont know what the future holds, obviously, for any of us. Im trying to wrap my head around the thought that the largest game Ive worked in my career, the national championship game, might be the last game I work. But Im going to focus on what I have to be thankful for. Im going to hold on to my faith. Im going to pray that things get better, and that I can see you on the television set in some capacity, in some stadium, covering some game soon. Until then, God bless, and Im going to go hug my baby.

Notes:1: Williams discusses medical apprehensions regarding my desire to have another child in regards to receiving this injection. From the CDC:

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.

Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been growing. These data suggest that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.

There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men.

Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19.

2: Williams discusses an injection that does not stop transmission and spread. From a more general part of a CDC Delta variant page:

The COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States are highly effective at preventing severe disease and death, including against the Delta variant. But they are not 100% effective, and some fully vaccinated people will become infected (called a breakthrough infection) and experience illness. For all people, the vaccine provides the best protection against serious illness and death.

Vaccines are playing a crucial role in limiting spread of the virus and minimizing severe disease. Although vaccines are highly effective, they are not perfect, and there will be vaccine breakthrough infections. Millions of Americans are vaccinated, and that number is growing. This means that even though the risk of breakthrough infections is low, there will be thousands of fully vaccinated people who become infected and able to infect others, especially with the surging spread of the Delta variant. Low vaccination coverage in many communities is driving the current rapid surge in cases involving the Delta variant, which also increases the chances that even more concerning variants could emerge.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. High vaccination coverage will reduce spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. CDC recommends that everyone aged 12 years and older get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Beyond that, yes, of course, like most vaccines, the approved COVID-19 vaccines do not stop all transmission and spread. Fully-vaccinated people can still be infected (in a breakthrough case). And there is some research suggesting that infected fully-vaccinated people can still spread the disease as much as infected unvaccinated people, based on viral-load data; the CDC discussed this in July as part of a revision to their masking policies. But that does not override the effectiveness of vaccines; a fully-vaccinated person is less likely to have the disease transmitted to them in the first place, so theyre less likely to transmit it on to anyone else. And a fully-vaccinated person is less likely to get a severe case requiring hospitalization, which reduces strain on the healthcare system.

In the end, Williams can absolutely choose not to get vaccinated. But thats a choice thats in direct conflict with the Disney and ESPN vaccine policy, so her departure isnt surprising. And as for her being in some stadium covering some game soon, current federal requirements are that all companies with more than 100 workers either require vaccinations or test unvaccinated employees for COVID-19 weekly. That would be much of the broadcasting world.

Companies can go beyond that weekly level of testing, too. For example, Fox Sports parent company 21st Century Fox (where 90-plus percent of the employees were vaccinated by September) tests unvaccinated employees daily. And there are many further requirements for people working at events, both from broadcasters and from teams or leagues. So it may not be easy to find an outlet that will let Williams do sideline reporting without getting vaccinated, or teams and leagues that will allow an unvaccinated sideline reporter on the field.

[Allison Williams on Instagram]

Read more here:

Allison Williams is leaving ESPN over COVID-19 vaccine mandate - Awful Announcing

Former New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton wants back into the NFL. After months of wavering, Newton reportedly received the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

That could clear a significant hurdle for Newton, who missed time in the preseason after a "misunderstanding" over COVID-19 protocols. That absence may have cost Newton his job.

Newton was surprisingly released by the Patriots shortly after that miscommunication. The team handed the starting job to rookie Mac Jones, who has led the Patriots to a 2-3 record. Head coach Bill Belichick said Newton's vaccination status did not play a role in the team's decision to release him.

Newton's vaccination status may not have mattered with the Patriots, but it may affect whether other NFL teams are willing to bring him in. The NFL put COVID-19 protocols in place that strongly encourage players to get vaccinated. Unvaccinated players can't be around teammates as much, have to jump through more testing hoops and can be fined a significant amount for breaking those rules.

With those restrictions no longer an issue, Newton might get more calls from NFL teams.

Newton is a three-time Pro Bowler who has made an All-Pro team and won an MVP award during his career. He's put up some eye-popping numbers over his 10 seasons in the NFL, and that should attract teams looking for quarterback help.

Now that he's vaccinated, teams will focus on whether Newton can still approach his former numbers. He wasn't a great passer for the Patriots last season, when he threw just eight touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 15 games. Newton was still an effective runner, scoring 12 rushing touchdowns for the Patriots.

Newton's diminished passing numbers could be the result of a devastating shoulder injury Newton sustained in 2016. Newton claimed he was fully recovered from that injury prior to last season, however.

If Newton's shoulder has recovered, it's possible he can still carve out a solid second act with another NFL team. If not, Newton has plenty of knowledge and could stick around the league as a backup if he's willing to mentor younger players.

Cam Newton wants to get back into the NFL. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Link:

Cam Newton reportedly received COVID-19 vaccine in attempt to get back in NFL - Yahoo Sports

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A FDA panel on Thursday set in motion the road to Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, endorsing a lower-dose booster for seniors, as well as younger adults with other health problems, jobs or living situations that put them at increased risk from COVID-19.

This endorsement was also given Friday to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which the FDA is recommending for anyone age 18 and up who received their first dose at least two months ago.

These endorsements must still pass FDA leadership and the CDC before Moderna and J&J boosters can be given out, but if both agencies approve, boosters could begin as soon as this month.

The purpose of a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine is to boost the production of antibodies to the virus in your body. According to Averas Dr. David Basel, your body still remembers how to produce the COVID-19 antibodies if youve already been vaccinated, but will require a booster to tell it to continue producing them.

The booster is saying, This is not a one-time infection youre going to see. You may see this again and again in the future, so keep making those antibodies.

The Pfizer vaccine booster was granted approval in September and those who get it will received a full dose. The Moderna booster, if approved, will be given in a lower dose. KELOLAND News spoke to Basel, as well as Sanford Health Dr. Jeremy Cauwels to find out why.

The booster that [the FDA] approved was essentially half the original dose of the original Moderna series, said Basel. With Moderna, the first and second shot are half a cc half a milliliter. For the booster, its going to be a quarter of a milliliter.

Basel says this reduction in the volume of vaccine was the result of a study showing a lower dose is all that is needed to boost antibody production up to adequate levels.

Another positive effect of this discovery is highlighted by Cauwels.

When they give that additional dose, less of the medicine is actually needed to induce the same sort of covering immune response, he said. As you can imagine, as were trying to distribute doses throughout the world.

The less dose we can give to each individual means the more doses we can spread out to the world.

Basel stressed the fact that even though the Moderna vaccine will be a lower dose, it is still the same vaccine.

The boosters the exact same formulation as the initial series. Its just half the vaccine, Basel said.

Asked why the Pfizer vaccine isnt a lower dose, Basel points to timing.

They probably could have studied at a lower dose for that third shot, and it likely would have been okay knowing what we know now its just not how they set it up, Basel said.

Basel says that because the authorization for Pfizer boosters came about a month ahead of the others, Moderna may have been able to benefit from what was already known to determine that it could use a lower dose.

Cauwels said that while the current Pfizer booster is a full dose, studies may change that in the future.

For instance, the Pfizer dose in children is a lower dose because children do a better job of forming an immune response, Cauwels said.

When addressing the need for a booster shot, Basel outlined the difference between a primary dose and a booster.

Theres the primary dose series where youre getting one, two or even three shots of a vaccine to get your initial immune response up to a level that its going to be effective, he said. Thats your primary series.

Over time, Basel continued after that primary series [immunity] drops off and you need a booster.

Basel said some people like those who are immunocompromised do not mount as strong of an immune response to the first shots and may require an additional one in series to reach full initial immunity.

Continued here:

COVID-19 vaccine boosters: Whats the difference - KELOLAND.com

More than 1,300 flu, 200 COVID-19 vaccines administered in 'Arms Across Kanawha' event  WCHS-TV8

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More than 1,300 flu, 200 COVID-19 vaccines administered in 'Arms Across Kanawha' event - WCHS-TV8

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Gov. Ron DeSantis has pledged to fight the Biden administration over federal vaccine mandates.

"I am offended that a police officer could potentially lose their job," he said on Thursday.

DeSantis has opposed broad vaccine requirements and mask mandates in K-12 public schools.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, a vocal opponent of COVID-19 vaccine mandates, on Thursday said that the state will fight the federal government in court over legislation regarding such requirements.

DeSantis, a potential 2024 presidential candidate, has spoken out forcefully against vaccination rules placed on employers, and last month said that President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate was a violation of Florida law.

"Let's not have Biden come in and effectively take away - threaten to take away - the jobs of people who have been working hard throughout this entire pandemic," DeSantis said during a news conference this week. "I am offended that a police officer could potentially lose their job."

"I just think it's fundamentally wrong to be taking people's jobs away, particularly given the situations that we see ourselves facing with the economy," he added.

The rule from the federal government mandates that employers with over 100 workers must require vaccination or conduct weekly testing, which would affect about 80 million Americans. The broader mandate would also affect about 17 million healthcare workers who are employed by hospitals that accept Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, along with federal employees and contractors.

Republicans last month quickly pounced on Biden's move.

Even Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, who has traveled throughout his conservative in an effort to boost the vaccine, said that Biden's decision to enact a federal mandate was not helpful to increasing inoculation levels among the public.

"I support businesses being able to require vaccination, but it's their own independent choice for their workplace," he said last month. "But to have the federal mandate will be counterproductive. It's going to increase resistance. We're going to grow our vaccinations whether you have this or not."

Story continues

DeSantis, who has rejected the use of vaccine passports and waged battles with school districts that have sought to implement mask mandates, recently appointed Dr. Joseph Ladapo to become the state's new surgeon general.

Ladapo, who opposes mask mandates and feels that COVID-19 vaccines are "nothing special," last year boosted the use of the drug hydroxychloroquine to fight the coronavirus. The World Health Organization earlier this year said that hydroxychloroquine is not an effective form of treatment for COVID-19.

Recently, the Florida Department of Health leveled a $3.57 million fine against Leon County, which encompasses the state capital of Tallahassee, after the jurisdiction mandated that hundreds of workers receive the vaccine.

The county terminated the employment of 14 workers who chose not to receive the vaccine, according to The Tallahassee Democrat, and local officials are prepared to defend the requirement in court.

A recent study conducted by the French government-backed scientific organization Epi-Phare, which looked at nearly 23 million individuals, found that vaccines reduced the risk of contracting a severe case of COVID-19 by at least 90% among individuals 50 years old or older.

As Insider's Eliza Relman previously reported, medical professionals as well as public health and legal experts, have praised vaccine and testing mandates as effective and constitutional tools to promote public health -- especially as the unvaccinated pose a threat to others' health and safety.

DeSantis said that the state's lawsuits against the federal mandates will be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Florida, which this past summer experienced a surge in new COVID-19 infections fueled by the highly infectious Delta variant, has seen over 57,000 of its residents succumb to the virus since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the latest data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Ron DeSantis says he's 'offended' that a police officer 'could potentially lose their job' over COVID-19 vaccine mandates - Yahoo! Voices

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) Several hundred dogs and cats were at the parking lot of Sleep Train arena Saturday asSacramento Public Health, the Front Street Animal Shelter and the Mexican Consulate of Sacramento teamed up to host a unique vaccination clinic.

The clinic provided COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for humans and free microchipping and vaccines for pets.

Even though 12-week-old Loki didnt like his shot too much, many pet owners, like Angel Mubarak, got in the long line for her 7-year-old dog, Tyler.

I didnt expect to be this many people here. But Im glad that I came, Mubarak told FOX40.

Cars lined up for pet vaccinations on one side of the parking lot, then waited to get COVID-19 shot and flu shot on the other side of the lot.

The countys chief animal control officer came up with the idea of a combined clinic.

How do we keep families together? How do we keep owners healthy? How do we keep pets healthy? And how do we make access to that care, as low-to-no barrier? asked Sacramento County Chief Animal Control Officer Jase Huggins.

Weve actually been doing this clinic since last October, explained Public Information Coordinator Haley Waugh.Every month, we host them in different neighborhoods throughout the city. So, we can really go to those communities where were needed the most.

The Mexican Consulate of Sacramento is celebrating Binational Health Week with several events, including Saturdays event, centered around health services.

Consul General of Mexico Liliana Ferrer told FOX40 especially during the pandemic, pets have played a very special part in our emotional and mental health.

The winter months are coming along. We all want to be healthy. We want to be strong so we can care for our pets, Ferrer said.

I wanted to get him vaccinated. And hes been my big emotional support animal during this time of COVID. I really support the consulates activities, said pet owner Martha Geraty. The consulate does such wonderful work with the community.

The consulate, along with Sacramento County, will continue to provide services throughout the week.

We will continue our collaboration with front street animal shelter. We are going with them to their drive-thru clinics each month and that will continue, said Sacramento County Public Health Director of Nursing Lynnan Svensson.

Read the rest here:

Sacramento County orgs offer vaccinations for pets and their owners - KTXL FOX 40 Sacramento

Employers who sponsor group health plans will be interested in new guidance released last week by the DOL, IRS and HHS in the form of five COVID-19 related FAQs. Two of the FAQs address group health plan coverage requirements for COVID-19 vaccines, while the other FAQs provide long-awaited guidance on offering incentives for COVID-19 vaccines under group health plans and wellness programs.

Here are the key takeaways:

Original post:

New Guidance for Employers on COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage and Incentives - JD Supra

by: Lanie Lee Cook, Nexstar Media Wire

(Getty Images)

DENVER (KDVR) People who want to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas are running out of time.

It requires planning to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in time for a particular event. Two of the three vaccines available in the U.S. require two doses spread weeks apart and a waiting period once the shots have been administered.

The COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. have different dosage timelines. But regardless of which one you take, a person is not considered fully vaccinated until 14 days beyond their final dose.

Heres how long it takes from a first COVID-19 vaccine dose to full vaccination:

To be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in time for holidays, you must get the first dose of Moderna or Pfizer or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson by the dates listed below:

See the article here:

Need to be vaccinated by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas? Here are the deadlines - WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland

The guidance reminds the public that the HIPAA Privacy Rule does not apply to employers or employment records.[1]

On September 30, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released guidance (the Guidance) entitled, HIPAA, COVID-19 Vaccination, and the Workplace, regarding the applicability of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule (Privacy Rule) to disclosures and requests for information regarding COVID-19 vaccination status. In a frequently-asked-questions format, the Guidance sets forth a series of workplace-related scenarios involving the confidentiality of an employees vaccination status, an employers ability to obtain vaccination information from its employees, and the confidentiality of such information.

Per the Guidance, HIPAA does not prevent or apply to the following scenarios:

According to the Guidance, the Privacy Rule does not prevent or apply to an employer requiring a workforce member to disclose whether he or she has received a COVID-19 vaccine to the employer, clients or other parties, including patients or members of the public. The Privacy Rule does not apply to employment records, or regulate what information can be requested from employees as part of the terms and conditions of employment imposed by the employer, even if the employer is a covered entity or business associate. Specifically, an employer may request or require:

Note, however, the Privacy Rule does impact how and when the covered entity or business associate can use and disclose such protected health information (PHI), including information about an individuals vaccination status to an employer or other business. For instance, a doctors office may not disclose an individuals PHI, including whether they have received a COVID-19 vaccine, to the individuals employer or other party unless it has the individuals authorization or as otherwise expressly permitted by the Privacy Rule. Similarly, the individuals authorization is required for the covered entity to disclose vaccination status for entertainment, leisure or travel purposes.

Even where authorized, the covered entity or business associate should only disclose the PHI that is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose of the disclosure, or where otherwise required by law. For example:

However, a covered entity hospital may disclose PHI related to an employees vaccination status to the employer for purposes of medical surveillance of the workplace or for evaluation of whether the individual has a work-related illness as long as (i) the hospital is providing the healthcare service to the individual at the employers request or as a member of the employers workforce; (ii) the PHI that is disclosed consists of findings concerning work-related illness or medical surveillance; (iii) the employer needs the findings to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) or state laws with similar purposes; and (iv) the provider provides written notice to the individual that the PHI will be disclosed to the employer.

Additionally, given that the Privacy Rule only applies to covered entities and their business associates, it does not impact an individuals decision on whether or not to disclose his or her vaccination status. Healthcare pundits have frequently noted a common misconception that HIPAA protects PHI, including an individuals vaccination status, from voluntary disclosure by the individual whose PHI is at issue.[2] As shown in the Guidance, this is not true. Notably, public figures who are asked about their vaccination status and decline to answer based upon what they identify as their HIPAA rights are, in fact, simply making a personal choice to not disclose their information. HIPAA does not prevent an individual from asking the question and it does not prevent an individual from answering the question in any way they choose.

As the OCR reminds the reader in the Guidance, the Guidance only sets forth the applicability of HIPAA to the scenarios described therein. Other state or federal laws and regulations may still apply to requests for, or the disclosure of, vaccination status. For example, under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers that collect documentation regarding employee vaccination status must keep such documentation confidential and store it separately from the employees personnel files. State laws may have similar provisions which go above-and-beyond what may be required under State law.

We will continue to monitor and provide updates on any further guidance released in relation to COVID-19 vaccines and disclosure or requests for information requirements.

FOOTNOTES

[1] HIPAA, COVID-19 Vaccination, and the Workplace, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights (September 30, 2021) at https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/hipaa-covid-19-vaccination-workplace/index.html.

[2] Common Misconceptions About HIPAA and COVID-19 Vaccination Status; Asking someone about their COVID 19 vaccination status is not a HIPAA violation, despite prominent figures saying otherwise, by Jill McKeon, Xtelligent Healthcare Media (August 21, 2021) at https://healthitsecurity.com/news/common-misconceptions-about-hipaa-and-covid-19-vaccination-status.

Read more here:

HIPAA and COVID-19 Vaccination Status: The Office of Civil Rights Issues Workplace Guidance - JD Supra

First 500 eligible people to be vaccinated will receive $100 gift card

DECATUR, Ga.The DeKalb County Board of Health will host a COVID-19 vaccination event this Saturday, Oct. 16, to mark the conclusion of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Board of Health event, in partnership with the City of Doraville, DeKalb County Commissioners Robert Patrick (District 1) and Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (Super District 7), DeKalb County Government, Latin American Association (LAA) and Latino Community Fund Georgia (LCF Georgia), will be held at the Board of Healths existing vaccination site, located in the parking lot of the Doraville MARTA Transit Station, at 6000 New Peachtree Rd., in Doraville, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Only 44% of Hispanic residents in DeKalb County have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, said DeKalb County District Health Director Sandra Valenciano, M.D., M.P.H. Ensuring that we provide vaccine access to our community not only creates individual protection against COVID-19, but also safeguards family, friends, and those not yet eligible to receive the vaccine.

The first 500 eligible people to get a COVID-19 vaccination will receive at $100 gift card, provided by the City of Doraville and DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines will be offered.

Im elated to partner with the DeKalb County Board of Health and many of our community partners to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines in District 1 and the northern portion of DeKalb County, said DeKalb CountyDistrict 1 Commissioner Robert Patrick. Each vaccine administered brings us one step closer to returning to a sense of normalcy.

DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson echoed Patricks sentiments.

I am very excited and happy to lend my support to getting the vaccination rate up in our Latinx community. As we enter flu season, we are at a critical point in our fight to reach herd immunity.

COVID-19 vaccinations are provided at no cost. Those attending are asked to bring the following to Saturdays event:

Language barriers should not determine who gets a vaccine, said Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman. This is a virus that doesnt care what color your skin is, where you were born, or what language you speak. We have a responsibility to do everything in our power to ensure everyone is equally protected. We must keep working until every DeKalb family has had the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, visitdph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccineor call 888-357-0169. For event information, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health via e-mail atdekalb.covid19@dph.ga.govor call 404-294-3700.

See more here:

Board of Health and Partners to Host COVID-19 Vaccination Event to Celebrate Conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month This Saturday - DeKalb County Board...