The Valdosta City Police and Fire Chief recently received the COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to stop the spread of the virus in our community. Police Chief Leslie Manahan received her first round of the Moderna Vaccine on Wednesday, January 6. Fire Chief Brain Boutwell followed suit a day later and received his on Thursday, January 7. Both Manahan and Boutwell hope that their decision will encourage other local officials to be proactive and do the same.  

The Moderna vaccine is distributed as a shot into the muscle of the upper portion of the arm. It is a total of two separate shots given one month apart. According to information provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Moderna vaccine was 94.1% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people who received two doses who had no evidence of being previously infected. When taking this information into account and their commitment to protecting and serving the community, neither Chief hesitated to take the vaccine when it became available to them. “The Police Chief and I decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine. We hope that citizens eligible in our community will be encouraged to do the same and remain healthy so that we can all continue to provide services to the community,” said Chief Boutwell.

Chief Manahan says she felt responsible for showing her team that she was willing to step up and take the vaccine herself and would not ask her staff to do anything she was unwilling to do. She says, “By taking the vaccination, I can answer questions or concerns that our officers may have about the vaccination process. I think it is important to do my part to help stop the spread of the virus.”

The CDC will continue to provide updates on the vaccine as more information on the Moderna vaccine becomes available. 

As of January 8, 2021, Health Departments within the South Health District are taking COVID-19 vaccine appointments for TIER 1A ONLY. Tier 1A includes frontline healthcare workers, first responders that respond to medical calls, and medical providers. Proof of healthcare employment is required. Healthcare workers can call their local health department to schedule an appointment.

Health Departments will start vaccinating individuals 65 and older and all first responders on January 11.

Please register here to be contacted for an appointment with the South Health District. Health Department staff will call registered individuals back Monday through Friday between 8 AM to 5 PM.