There are currently two COVID-19 vaccines that have been granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA, one manufactured by Pfizer and the other by Moderna. Infectious disease experts express no preference of one manufacturer over the other as they have both demonstrated similar efficacy and side effect profiles in clinical trials. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for ages 16 and up; and requires an ultra-cold shipping/storage chain. The Moderna vaccine has been approved for ages 18 and up; and requires normal cold chain temperatures in shipping/storage. Availability of the vaccines is projected to rapidly increase in the state from current levels, even in rural locations.
National Resources:
USLCA statement on Vaccination for Lactation Care Providers
Article from Lactation Education Resources How Can Lactation Consultants Access the COVID Vaccine?
Georgia Resources:
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has released a FAQ that is useful for both physicians and staff who have questions about the new vaccines to review.
Georgia DPH COVID19 Vaccine Physician Scheduling Information: Contact information by Public Health District (counties noted in the districts) on how those in Phase 1A can schedule appointments for vaccination. Please note that vaccine supplies remain limited and you may not be able to obtain vaccination appointments immediately.
Links to register for vaccine in several Metro Atlanta areas:
- Fulton County Board of Health
- DeKalb County Board of Health
- Cobb and Douglas Public Health
- Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale Health Departments
SAMPLE LETTER to request vaccine appointment information
Dear Dr. (name of District Health Director)
I am a/ we are a small group of Georgia licensed lactation consultants that work in direct patient care, outside of the hospital setting, in your health district and would like to make an appointment per DPH guidelines to obtain the vaccination.
You may be aware that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to ensure that people who are breastfeeding or who desire to breastfeed continue to have access to this support,” and that “In-person support may be necessary to effectively support some breastfeeding dyads.”
The nuanced nature of clinical lactation care can require in-person contact with the lactating parent and infant for an extended period of time. While in most cases this can be done while wearing a face covering, the increased exposure due to the inability to maintain social distancing puts our Georgia licensed lactation consultants at heightened risk. Just as birth workers who are delivering babies are unable to turn away COVID positive patients, licensed lactation consultants must continue seeing and supporting these families.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Sincerely,