yWTOC StaffandBria Bolden|March 3, 2021 at 12:00 PM EST - Updated March 15 at 10:06 AM
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that a new COVID-19 mass vaccination site will open in Chatham County.
The site will open on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, at Gulfstream Aerospace near the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The goal is to be able to give out nearly 1,100 shots a day.
The Chatham County site is one of five new mass vaccination sites that are opening on St. Patrick’s Day in the state. The sites will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Four other state-run vaccination sites opened recently in Georgia.
Leaders like Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson are looking forward to a mass COVID-19 vaccination site and the ability to get more shots into arms.
“This actually supplements the work that’s already been done by our Coastal Health District and its other partners around our community. This gives us the opportunity to help more people. We just have to have people that take advantage of this opportunity,” said Mayor Johnson.
Gulfstream told WTOC in part,“The Leadership Team, including President Mark Burns, is happy to help fulfill a huge need in our community. Gulfstream supported the opening of the first vaccination clinic in West Chatham and is excited to see that expand to reach even more of our community members.”
County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis says the county is working on a partnership with Gulfstream, The Georgia Ports Authority, The Coastal Health District and more to help transport people who may not be able to get to the site on their own.
“We hope to provide rides where the tele-ride will pick folks up at their house. Carry them to the site, bring them back, as well as those who are maybe in wheelchairs and who have healthcare providers, to make sure they have transportation to the mega-site,” said Ellis.
Chairman Ellis also says GEMA, CEMA, local hospitals and health providers will help administer the vaccine starting March 17.
Chairman Ellis also says the county, local health care providers and more will be meeting Thursday to finalize plans for transportation and vaccinations.
You can go ahead and pre-register for the Chatham County mass vaccination site starting on Monday, March 15. Just go toMyVaccineGeorgia.comand click on the “Yes I’m Eligible” button. On the next page, scroll to the bottom and fill out your pre-registration information. Officials will then contact you with more details to make an appointment.
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