HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A year ago we were just in the beginning stages of this pandemic, and now, fast forward to today's Decatur COVID-19 briefing, where public health officials were talking about how to sign up for a vaccine.
"The health department is back doing first doses of vaccinations again, so that's a wonderful thing to get more vaccine into arms. Our online scheduling system went live for the health department at the end of last week, so, alcovidvaccine.gov, that's alcovidvaccine.gov," said Michael Glenn, Assistant District Administrator, Alabama Department of Public Health.
To sign up, you'll click on 'schedule vaccine' and select 'first dose', you'll then select your county, age category and put in your name and contact information. You will then receive either a confirmation text or email with the date and time of your appointment. The health department strongly encourages signing up through the internet so that they can have more employees focused on vaccinating people rather than picking up phones.
Decatur Morgan Hospital also has a vaccine scheduling website up.
"We have our website out there, so go to decaturmorganhospital.net and sign up on the form and we'll get you in the queue to get registered," said Kelli Powers, President of Decatur Morgan Hospital.
On this site, you will select the 'click for details' button, then choose your age or occupation and fill out a request form to be put on the waiting list.
Both locations have second doses stored for those who have already received their first dose. The health department has a request when it comes to those who want to get their second dose.
"If you're scheduled for a second dose, to not only help you not have to sit in line, but also the health department staff as well, if you will come in the afternoon, your second dose is available," said Glenn.
We have heard a lot about shortages in vaccine supply, but luckily, Johnson and Johnson was just granted emergency use authorization for their one-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
"They have promised to give about 20 million doses out by the end of the month, so that's a great number as well. I also saw an article this morning that Pfizer and Moderna said that they would be able to produce 220 million doses by the end of March," said Glenn.
