The Wellness Coalition continues to hold clinics with pharmacy partners in cmmunities throughout our service area. These events have increased access to first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines for thousands of people. Some of our most recent events where we provided vaccines include:

  • Greater Friendship Missionary Church in Tuskegee (pictured right)
  • Tour of Wellness
  • Vax to School
  • MPS Parent and Family Back to School Resource Fair

“Now that the children have returned to school, we want them to be safe,” said Carmela Fleming, Health Equity Alliance coordinator for The Wellness Coalition. “Parents should consult with their child’s pediatrician if they have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccinations.”

Are COVID-19 Vaccinations Safe for Children?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID 19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older. Through continued safety monitoring, COVID-19 vaccines have been found to be safe for children and teens. Millions of children and teens ages 5 through 17 years have already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“The Omicron variant, BA.5, is highly contagious,” said Flemming. “People are still being hospitalized from COVID-19. People are still getting sick. We should continue to educate people on the importance of getting vaccinated, along with getting a booster.”

Join the Healthy Equity Coalition

The Health Equity Alliance (HEA) is a community coalition that works together to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines for people who need it most. Members:

  • Help facilitate access to COVID-19 vaccines in Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery counties
  • Assist in developing and implementing an education and outreach plan
  • Attend at least two of the twenty-one meetings scheduled throughout the two-year project
  • Attend at least four events
  • May become a COVID-19 Information Trusted Messenger Call Carmela Flemming at (334) 293-6502 to learn more about joining HEA. You can also register at bit.ly/TWC-HEALTHEQUITY

Looking Ahead to Flu

It’s time for families to make plans to get a flu vaccine by the end of October, according to the CDC.

“It’s important to minimize flu spread and to keep from getting severely ill,“ said Na’Sha DeRamus, REACH COVID-19/flu vaccination coordinator. “We also want to minimize the COVID-19 and influenza ‘twindemic’, which puts many people at greater risk than normal for severe complications caused by either virus.”

Call Na’Sha Deramus at (334) 293-6502 if you are interested in participating in The Wellness Coalition community vaccination events.

View flu shot locations here.