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—522,512
COVID-19 Deaths—10,790
COVID-19 Hospitalizations (as of April 18)—48,459
Currently eligible for vaccine—everyone 16 years of age and older
Average 1stDoses of Vaccine Shipped to Alabama Per Week—120,000-130,000
Vaccine Doses Administered—2,244,860
Vaccine Doses Delivered to Alabama—3,371,795
Alabama Healthcare Providers Enrolled—1,278
FEMA Community Vaccination Center to Provide COVID-19 Vaccinations Starting April 21
The drive-through FEMA Community Vaccination Center located at Watermark Place (4500 Katies Way) in Bessemer will provide vaccinations to citizens starting at 9:00 a.m. on April 21. The site will be open seven days a week, and appointments will be available but not required. If you would like to make an appointment, you can visit 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 will also be available on site.
COVID-19 Breakthrough Cases
ADPH notes that there are between 180-190 suspected cases of vaccine breakthrough in Alabama. Such suspected cases are persons who have either received two Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and are two weeks post second vaccine, or one Johnson and Johnson vaccine and are two weeks post vaccine dose. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, but it is important to note that studies indicate persons who are vaccinated and still contract disease have less severe illness and are unlikely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19. Currently, Pfizer, and Moderna are the two COVID-19 vaccines available as Johnson & Johnson is on temporary hold. ADPH urges all age eligible Alabamians to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 Care for Uninsured Individuals
In response to concerns of access barriers some people are facing regarding documentation requests prior to receiving COVID-19 vaccination, and individuals inappropriately being sent bills for COVID-19 vaccine fees, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services developed two fact sheets to help both patients and providers better understand their rights and responsibilities regarding access to COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are free to all individuals living in the United States and these resources will help provide information to patients and providers. Fact sheets and additional information can be accessed here, www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/covid-
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Update
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on April 14 to discuss the recommended pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. ACIP did not put forth any formal recommendations during this meeting, and the pause continues at this time. ACIP will meet on April 23 to further discuss the pause of use for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
National Guard COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Update
The Alabama National Guard continues to hold second-dose Pfizer vaccine clinics in under-served and rural counties throughout the state. The second-dose clinics are being held in the same counties that were originally visited to offer first doses. Second-dose vaccination information can be found at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/
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
