State shortens suspension for Georgia medical facility that vaccinated teachers ahead of schedule

ELBERT COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia medical center that had its COVID-19 vaccination supply suspended will start offering shots again.

We told you last month that state health officials suspended the Medical Center of Elberton for 6 months for using extra doses on teachers.

After negotiating, the state shortened the suspension. The center said it will start offering vaccinations again on March 16.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Nicole Carr traveled to Elbert County in January as teachers received their vaccine.

“I’m exposed to it pretty much all the time,” Elbert County High School teacher Tracy Brown said, describing recent contact with a positive student that sent her into quarantine. “We’re in a war zone with this thing, too.”

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The group may be among the only educators in Georgia, outside of current guidelines who have been receiving the vaccine in the rural county, east of Athens.

Georgia currently is in Phase 1a-plus category, prioritizing nursing home residents and staff, healthcare workers, first responders, and people are 65+.

The Medical Center had been the primary vaccine provider in the small, rural county, receiving almost 4,000 of the 5,000 doses sent there since December.

Lawmakers' reaction to Elbert County vaccination suspension

Cox Media Group