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. Limited vaccine remains the greatest challenge in Alabama and other states.COVID-19 Cases—512,711
COVID-19 Deaths—10,487
COVID-19 Hospitalizations (as of March 23)—47,286
Currently eligible for vaccine—phase 1a, phase 1b, phase 1c, and people 55 years and older
The Alabama COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Plan outlines the various phases, and is available here:
www.alabamapublichealth.gov/
Average 1stDoses of Vaccine Shipped to Alabama Per Week—110,000-115,000
Vaccine Doses Administered—1,498,087
Vaccine Doses Delivered to Alabama—2,171,705
Alabama Healthcare Providers Enrolled—1,265
Hale County COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Postponed to Saturday, March 27
Due to predicted inclement weather, the free first-dose COVID-19 vaccination clinic originally scheduled for tomorrow at the Boys and Girls Club (Old National Guard Armory, 515 Greene Street, Greensboro) has been moved to Saturday, March 27, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. CDT. The second-dose clinic will still be held on Thursday, April 15, as planned.
National Guard COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Update
The Alabama National Guard (ALNG) will continue rotating through 24 rural counties to provide primary COVID-19 vaccinations for the next three weeks. On March 23, 641 vaccinations were given at the Covington County location and 433 vaccinations were given in Sumter County. Clinic information ordered by date of first dose can be found at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/
Updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for Schools
CDC guidance related to physical distancing in schools has recently changed. ADPH would like to remind the public that CDC’s physical distancing guidance changes were based upon studies done with consistent and correct use of masks, along with additional recommendations for elementary, middle, and high school age groups. CDC’s definition of a close contact did not change and remains persons who have contact within less than six feet for 15 minutes or more. ADPH is updating its School Toolkit to include CDC guidance. Schools may assess their current situations and make decisions in the best interest of their students, teachers, and staff.
At Least One in Five Residents of 47 Alabama Counties Vaccinated
Twenty percent or more of the residents age 16 and older of 47 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 20 percent or more of their residents have been vaccinated are as follows: Wilcox, Marengo, Perry, Conecuh, Clarke, Hale, Dallas, Lee, Tallapoosa, Sumter, Lowndes, Jefferson, Macon, Monroe, Houston, Colbert, Bullock, Clay, Henry, Lauderdale, Greene, Mobile, Baldwin, Chambers, Choctaw, Washington, Shelby, Lamar, Franklin, Cullman, Morgan, Crenshaw, Madison, Montgomery, Geneva, Fayette, Coosa, Pike, Etowah, Lawrence, Limestone, Tuscaloosa, Calhoun, Jackson, Butler, Marion and Escambia. Vaccines are one key to protecting the most vulnerable and helping stop the pandemic in Alabama. Supply remains an issue, as there is not yet enough vaccine available for everyone who would like to be vaccinated.
ADPH Encourages the Use of Facial Coverings After Mandate Ends on April 9
Masks or other facial coverings will no longer be a mandate after April 9, but ADPH reminds everyone that masks remain one of the most successful tools to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Many businesses and healthcare facilities will continue to require facial coverings in their facilities. Hospitals and nursing homes are under federal guidance that supports the use of facial coverings, and we anticipate the requirement for facial coverings to remain in place at those facilities.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Public Health
