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Georgia facing rising monkeypox cases with limited vaccines
Local leaders are trying to stop the spread of monkeypox cases in Georgia, but high demand and low supply of vaccines have many frustrated.
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Public Health began distributing monkeypox vaccines to local health districts as confirmed cases in the U.S. passed the 3,000 mark.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Georgia is approaching 300 confirmed cases of the disease.
Before the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in central and western African countries and almost all cases outside of the continent were reported in people with a history of international travel.
MONKEYPOX CASES IN GEORGIA CONTINUE CLIMBING AS STATE DISTRIBUTES LIMITED VACCINES
The World Health Organization said the escalating monkeypox outbreak is a global emergency.
A nurse prepares the Monkeypox vaccine at the Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors, Florida, on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Vaccines are in limited supply or unavailable in most places and the best strategy is to follow updates to your local health department's website and social media channels.
Here is how metro Atlanta health departments have distributed monkeypox vaccines to patients:
Clayton County
The Clayton County Health District has not provided specific information on monkeypox vaccine availability but said the Georgia DPH is prioritizing Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb and Clayton counties.
Cobb, Douglas counties
Cobb and Douglas Public Health said it's waiting for vaccine supplies from federal partners.
The health department has an online portal for appointments and some immunizations, but you may have to call 770-514-2300.
DeKalb County
DeKalb County has received additional vaccines and will start to distribute them starting Friday. A total of 240 appointments are available and those interested must pre-register at Board of Health website on Thursday morning.
It will be held on Friday, August 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North DeKalb Health Center, located at 3807 Clairmont Rd., NE, in Chamblee.
The appoints will be handed out on a first-come, first served basis. The registration form will be closed when all the appointments are filled.
Fulton County
The Fulton County Department of Health currently doesn't offer a way to make an appointment for a monkeypox vaccine online.
The county and the Public Works Department are collecting wastewater samples at one of Fulton County’s Wastewater Treatment Plants and Emory University is testing the wastewater for signs of the COVID-19 and monkeypox viruses.
The health department held a limited vaccine event on July 9.
Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale counties
Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Public Health announced July 26 that it was offering monkeypox vaccinations by appointment only at the District Health Office on 2570 Riverside Parkway in Lawrenceville.
All 300 appointments were full by the end of the day.
Monitor the health department's website for updates on vaccines.
Henry County
Like Clayton County, Henry County has not provided specific information regarding vaccine distribution, sharing information provided by the Georgia DPH.