COVID-19 Update Alabama Department of Public Health May 12, 2021

by Staff
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MONTGOMERY-Getting COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of Alabamians as quickly as possible is our goal.ADPH is conducting clinics daily, including drive-through clinics in some counties.

COVID-19 Cases—531,751
COVID-19 Deaths—10,997
COVID-19 Hospitalizations (as of May 11)—49,342
Currently eligible for vaccine—everyone 16 years of age and older
Average 1stDoses of Vaccine Shipped to Alabama Per Week—125,000-135,000
Vaccine Doses Administered—2,703,330
Vaccine Doses Delivered to Alabama—4,092,375
Alabama Healthcare Providers Enrolled—1,364

Lowndes County Tops State in COVID-19 Vaccinations – More than Half of Eligible People Have Received at Least One Dose
Throughout the pandemic, ADPH has focused on an equitable response to COVID-19 for the entire state. In coordination with community partners, outreach efforts have been made to ensure the state’s rural areas are not left behind in access and use of vaccine. Lowndes County is the first county in the state with more than 50 percent of the eligible population receiving at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Efforts to provide more opportunities to be vaccinated have included having all county health departments receive vaccine, working with local providers, and deployment of Alabama National Guard members.

At Least 40 Percent of 14 Alabama Counties’ Residents Vaccinated
Forty percent or more of the residents age 16 and older of 14 Alabama counties have received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine to date. Successful public health efforts to achieve vaccine equity have resulted in higher vaccine uptake among African American residents of Black Belt counties. Counties where 40 percent or more of their residents have been vaccinated are as follows: Lowndes, Bullock, Perry, Hale, Shelby, Marengo, Jefferson, Wilcox, Madison, Greene, Colbert, Lee, Conecuh, and Dallas. Vaccines are one key to protecting the most vulnerable and helping stop the pandemic in Alabama.  

Alabama Hospitalizations for COVID-19 During April Higher Among Young Adults Than the Elderly
Vaccination for COVID-19 is important for young people, including those of college age. Statistics reported by the University of Alabama at Birmingham show that in the month of April 2021 in Alabama, more 16- through 34-year-olds were hospitalized than were people age 75 and older. Another reason to promote vaccination in young people is that people in this age group can develop debilitating long-term symptoms from COVID-19, even among young adults who were previously healthy.  By getting vaccinated, everyone can not only protect themselves and their families, they can prevent spreading the virus to other people in the community which means there is less chance for variants to develop.

Take Every Opportunity to Vaccinate Every Eligible Person And Minimize Vaccine Wastage
Over 1.2 million people are fully vaccinated in Alabama, and many more have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination. As access to COVID-19 vaccine increases, it is important for providers to not miss any opportunity to vaccinate every eligible person who presents at vaccine clinics. ADPH recognizes that as we continue to create more opportunities to vaccinate more people, it may increase the likelihood of leaving unused doses in a vial. While we want to continue to follow best practices to use every dose possible, we do not want that to be at the expense of missing an opportunity to vaccine every eligible person when they are ready to get vaccinated.

ACIP Meets to Discuss Pfizer Vaccine for Adolescents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet today to review clinical trial data and make recommendations for the vaccine’s use in adolescents. ADPH is working with Alabama pediatricians and will follow the guidance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ACIP. ADPH will provide additional information as it is made available.

Race to End COVID: Talladega Superspeedway Testing and Vaccination Clinic — Participants Offered a Free Drive on the Track
On Saturday, May 15, join the race to end COVID-19 by getting your free COVID-19 test and/or vaccine and then enjoying the exclusive opportunity to drive around the world-famous Talladega Superspeedway. At this drive-through event, COVID-19 testing and vaccination will be offered at no charge from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. As a special incentive, the track is offering people age 16 and older who choose to be tested and/or vaccinated the thrill of driving their car or truck for two laps on the 2.66-mile track. Additional information is available here, www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19/talladega.html. Photo and video footage of personal vehicles on the Talladega Superspeedway track is available  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3sddbllj0zzjgx6/AACuaOPSYcK62EUOhkWRHBaua?dl=0

FEMA Community Vaccination Center Offering COVID-19 Vaccinations–
No Appointment Required, No ID Required, and No Insurance Required
The drive-through FEMA Community Vaccination Center located at Watermark Place (4500 Katies Way) in Bessemer is providing vaccinations to citizens. The site is open seven days a week and appointments are available but not required. Appointments can be made on the web scheduler located at https://myturn.timetap.com. The website also includes links to documents that will need to be reviewed prior to being vaccinated. These materials are also be available on site.
ADPH Still Encourages Use of Facial Coverings
Masks or other facial coverings are no longer a mandate under the Safer Apart order. ADPH still encourages the use of facial coverings, and reminds everyone that masks remain one of the most successful tools to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Many businesses and healthcare facilities continue to require facial coverings in their facilities.

Media Release/Alabama Department of Public Health

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