Medical Center of Elberton officials say DPH Vaccine suspension unfair

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR

Officials with the Medical Center of Elberton say the State is being unfair in their decision to withhold COVID-19 vaccine from their center.

The Georgia Department of Public Health made the decision late last month after it was learned the Center was vaccinating any Elbert County teacher or education staff member who wanted it, in violation of the CDC’s protocols.

Medical Center officials said they were asked to vaccinate teachers and staff by the Elbert County School Superintendent.

But Dr. Jonathan Poon told Georgia Health News this week they were shocked by the suspension and he said they believe the DPH used them to send a message to other clinics.

Poon cited a Floyd Medical Center in Rome that he said also violated the COVID immunization protocols but was not disciplined.

According to the report, Poon said Floyd Medical Center did not confine their vaccinations to just medical staff and employees but also vaccinated employees’ families.

Currently, the DPH is only allowing those who fall into the Phase 1a category to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Those include medical personnel, first responders, police and firefighters and those age 65 and over as well their caregivers.

The Medical Center of Elberton was given a six-month suspension by the DPH and whatever doses of the Pfizer vaccine they had on hand were confiscated, but they were left enough to give second doses of the vaccine to those who had already received the first dose, according to the report in Georgia Health News.