From Atrium Health Navicent: Atrium Health Navicent, Bibb County Schools, the Georgia Department of Public Health and Macon-Bibb County announced a vaccine partnership on Friday that will offer COVID-19 vaccines to students, parents and school staff in preparation for students’ return to full-time in-person instruction this fall.

Vaccines have been approved for use in children aged 12 and older. Full vaccination is achieved two weeks after completion of the two-shot series required for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or the single dose of the Janssen Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for individuals under 18.

“We hope that families will consider COVID-19 vaccinations in their back-to-school preparations to help provide critical protection for our children, their families, school staff and the community,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “Atrium Health Navicent is proud to partner in this effort as part of the ongoing fight to slow the spread of COVID-19 and variant strains that could bring on a new wave of infections.”

Vaccines will be available by appointment at The Wellness Center, Navicent Health during three events this summer:

• Wednesday, June 30, from noon to 7 p.m. (First doses only)
• Saturday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (First and second doses)
• Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Second doses only)

To make an appointment, visit www.CovidsafeGA.org or call 478-633-SAFE (7233). A parent or guardian must accompany minors to vaccination appointments.

“The Bibb County School District is very excited to partner in this effort to get as many people vaccinated as possible. It’s important that we get our students back in school five days a week and that we are able to do that in a safe way,” said Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones. “Vaccines have proven themselves to be one of the most effective ways to keep everyone safe, so I’m asking everyone who can get vaccinated to do so. If you’re a student leader, if you’re an athlete, if you’re a teacher, if you’re an employee, if you’re a parent – please get vaccinated. We would like our students to be able to be successful and this is one way our community can come together to support the educational efforts in Bibb County.”

“Partnerships between community organizations and healthcare providers will continue to be an essential tool to increase vaccination across the state,” said Dr. Reneé Haynes, District Health Director, North Central Health District. “Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is the connections and relationships to one another that have allowed us to face the challenges this illness has brought. From testing and vaccination, to providing support and care for those impacted, teamwork has been a key component of this response.”

The partnership is part of the Macon-Bibb Safe at Home, Safe at School, Safe at Work initiative.

“The only way to fully protect our community and our children is by working together and making sure we all receive our vaccine. As families are getting ready for next school year, we want to encourage you to make sure your children get their vaccine if they’re eligible. Join us in protecting Macon-Bibb County and keeping our children safe in school,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester M. Miller.

Vaccinated individuals and those waiting to be vaccinated are encouraged to continue to practice COVID-safe behaviors including wearing a mask in public, social distancing and frequent hand washing.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.