ATLANTA — Governor Brian Kemp says the state is prepared to administer up to 80,000 vaccines a week.
Deputy Chief Operating Officer Ryan Loke joined Kemp during a Friday afternoon press conference at 12:30 p.m. in the North Wing at the Georgia State Capitol.
This was his first press conference on the vaccine this year.
“We have much hope on the horizon, but we’ve got to hunker down,” he said.
He last spoke on Dec. 31, the morning after announcing plans for expanding vaccine distribution in Georgia, expanding Phase 1A of distribution to adults ages 65 and older, as well as law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Kemp says he wanted to take a moment before the weekend to give an update as the state of Georgia continues to fight the virus.
He says, soon, Georgia's over 65 population and other parties can go to the Department of Public Health website to schedule an appointment for the vaccine.
Kemp says people can get the vaccine at the health department, pharmacies, grocery stores and even hospitals at certain locations.
"The state now has the capacity to administer 11,428 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines per day," he said. "That is approximately 80,000 doses a week."
As of Friday, the state has administered about 24.48% of the vaccines delivers to the state by the federal government, he said.
Kemp asked residents of Georgia for patience to administer the limited number of vaccines available.
He has a message for those reluctant to get vaccinated.
"Please. This vaccine is safe. It is highly effective," Kemp said. "I have complete confidence in the vaccine. I will be getting one as soon as I become eligible."
He continued to stress that people keep washing their hands, practice social distancing, follow the guidelines put in place by the government and wear a mask.
"I'm pleased with how hard everybody's working, but I'm not happy with where we are," he said.