COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expands to those 55 and older in Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (WTOC) — Vaccine eligibility in Georgia will expand to all those 55 and older on Monday, March 15.

Gov. Brian Kemp made the announcement during a news conference at the state Capitol.

The vaccine will also be available to those 16 and older with high-risk conditions as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Asthma
Cancer
Cerebrovascular Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease
COPD
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
Hypertension
Heart Conditions
Immunocompromised State
Liver Disease
Neurologic Conditions
Overweight and Obesity
Pregnancy
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Sickle Cell Disease
Thalassemia

It is important to note the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for children 16 and up. You have to be 18 to get the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Gov. Kemp said he hopes to expand the criteria further in April.

“Providing that we continue to see increasing vaccine supply, it is our intent to open up vaccination to all adults the first part of next month. For everyone currently eligible, I want to urge you to please make your appointment as soon as possible,” Gov. Kemp said.

Five new mass vaccination sites will open in the state on St. Patrick’s Day, including one in Chatham County.