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—527,083
COVID-19 Deaths—10,879
COVID-19 Hospitalizations (as of April 27)—48,760
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—2,447,756
Vaccine Doses Delivered to Alabama—3,831,245
Alabama Healthcare Providers Enrolled—1,364
More than 1 Million Alabama Residents are Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19–
What This Means
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance for fully vaccinated people. Now that more than 1 million Alabamians have achieved full vaccination for COVID-19, new guidance removes some restrictions for them. People are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 2 weeks or more after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 2 weeks or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen).
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
CDC recommends the following for fully vaccinated people:
· Guiding principles for fully vaccinated people are now provided. This includes continuing to follow all applicable federal, state, tribal, and local regulations.
· Immunocompromised people need to consult their healthcare provider about these recommendations, even if they are fully vaccinated.
· Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask outdoors, except in certain crowded settings and venues. A graphical representation of ways to choose safer activities is available at this site:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
· Fully vaccinated workers no longer need to be restricted from work following an exposure so long as they are asymptomatic.
· Fully vaccinated residents of non-healthcare congregate settings no longer need to quarantine following a known exposure.
· Fully vaccinated asymptomatic people without an exposure may be exempted from routine screening testing, if feasible.
In addition to these key points, guidance is described in detail at:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Update
After a temporary pause, the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for use in adults. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be used in a variety of settings and is highly effective, making it an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. Due to reports of a rare but serious adverse event – blood clots with low platelets (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome) – women younger than 50 should be aware that there are other COVID-19 vaccine options available in addition to 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/
Johnson & Johnson One-Dose Vaccine Available at National Guard Second-Dose Clinics
The Alabama National Guard second-dose COVID-19 vaccine clinics also have 200 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine available for anyone who has not received any vaccine. Johnson & Johnson is a single-dose vaccine, so no second dose clinics will be required for those who receive it.
FEMA Community Vaccination Center Now 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 now 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 will also be available on site.
At Least 40 Percent of 10 Alabama Counties’ Residents Vaccinated
Forty percent or more of the residents age 16 and older of 10 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, Marengo, Shelby, Wilcox, Jefferson, Madison, and Greene. Vaccines are one key to protecting the most vulnerable and helping stop the pandemic in Alabama.
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
