Gov. Kemp expands eligibility for COVID vaccine. Who is new on the list in Georgia?

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that more people will be added to those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

After a downward trend in COVID-19 statistics for the past several weeks in Georgia and from the recommendation of the Georgia Department of Health, the governor announced at a press conference on Thursday that the state will expand the pool of those that are eligible to receive their vaccination shot starting March 8.

In the last year, Georgia has had 812,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. More than 55,000 people have been hospitalized with 9,000 of them ending up in the ICU. 

Nearly 15,000 people have died after contracting the coronavirus and the state believes COVID-19 contributed to the deaths of another 2,200 deaths, according to the Department of Public Health.  

Here is everything you need to know about Kemp's announcement.

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Who can get the Georgia COVID-19 vaccine now

Those who can be vaccinated now are: 

• Individuals 65 or older and their caregivers
• Healthcare personnel
• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• Law enforcement 
• Fire 
• EMS personnel
• 9-1-1 Operators

People who can receive the vaccine starting March 8:

• Parents of children with complex medical conditions
• Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers
• Pre-K through 12 educators and staff

Who has been vaccinated in Georgia? 

More than 1.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Georgians across the state. Of that, more than 1.2 million people have received the first dose and more than 680,000 people have already received their second. 

Around 70% of Georgia’s 800,000 seniors - 65 or over - have been vaccinated, according to Kemp. 

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Vaccinations for parents, caregivers and those with disabilities

Starting March 8, parents of children with complex medical conditions, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers will be eligible for the vaccine. 

myvaccinegeorgia opens pre-registration

The Department of Public Health opened up pre-registration for this group at myvaccinegeorgia.com on Thursday.

Getting teachers, children back in the classroom

Kemp wants to see children back in the classroom sooner rather than later. The state will expand the availability of vaccines to pre-K through 12th grade educators and staff in both public and private schools on March 8.