Georgias COVID-19 vaccination rate for young kids lags behind rest of U.S. – The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Georgias vaccination rates rank among the lowest among states. Georgia ranks 45th in the U.S.

Omicron subvariants are beginning to gain traction and increase infections in Georgia. According to the most recent data from the state Department of Public Health, the seven-day moving average for confirmed infections was 839 cases on May 3, which is about double the infection rate from three weeks prior. Data after May 3 is preliminary, but it appears the uptick will continue, building to a predicted summer surge in the South that is typically seen as hotter weather drives more people indoors.

Studies have shown the boosters, recommended for five months after the initial vaccines are finished, can boost immunity in children 5-11.

Metro Atlantas largest school districts are all planning to provide in-person instruction for the fall semester. Some districts, like Clayton County, are offering virtual learning options for the families of students who request it.

Some individual classrooms are pivoting to virtual-only learning during periods of COVID-19 outbreaks. Atlanta Public Schools said two fourth-grade classes are online only due to a significant number of positive cases and symptomatic individuals identified through the week, among students and staff. Those classes shifted to online-only learning options Friday and plan to return to the physical classroom on Thursday.

Staff writer Vanessa McCray contributed to this story

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Georgias COVID-19 vaccination rate for young kids lags behind rest of U.S. - The Atlanta Journal Constitution