Vaccine eligibility opens up for millions of more Georgians Monday

ATLANTA — Vaccination eligibility in Georgia expanded Monday to include more than three million more people, including everyone over age 55 as well as people with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

Those eligible can sign up for a vaccine appointment at myvaccinegeorgia.com, or at most major pharmacies across the state.

[LINK: Where to find the COVID-19 vaccine in Georgia]

Five more state-run mass vaccination sites will open Wednesday in Savannah, Emerson, Sandersville, Columbus and Waycross. FEMA will also begin administering shots through a national program at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday.

Channel 2′s Tom Regan visited LakePoint Sports Compex in Bartow County for a peek at how its site will work. The tents are already set up and the Pfizer vaccines are sitting on ice in a deep freezer.

[RELATED: Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Georgia?]

The setup of the site is much like the other ones that have already opened in Georgia. People will drive up in five lanes and check in before they receive the vaccine in their cars.

GEMA officials are confident that it will be a smooth and efficient process.

“We are going from 1,100 initially to 2,200 shots per day. When we go to 2,200, that will be to accommodate their second doses,” said GEMA field coordinator Tim Reeve.

The Georgia National Guard is providing logistical support for the mass sites by managing traffic, vaccination support supplies and materials.

“Hopefully we can get as many numbers as we can, and get it processed as quickly as possible,” said Major Bradley Peak.

The site will operate Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments must be scheduled in advanced on the state’s website.

[LIST: Where are Georgia’s 10 mass vaccination sites and how can you sign up for appointments?]

East Lake foundation offers vaccines at the East Lake golf course