Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Everyone ages 6 months and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s available at Grady or any of our neighborhood health centers – find a location near you! Call (404) 616-2900 to make your appointment.

Find answers to your questions about the COVID-19 virus and how you can prevent its spread.

Do I have COVID?

Symptoms can vary. Learn more about COVID symptoms and articles that explore the difference between COVID-19, flu, and seasonal allergies.

Who should get vaccinated?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone age 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible.

• The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for everyone age 6 months and older.
• The Moderna vaccine has been approved for everyone 6 months and older.
• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine is recommended in cases where people are allergic to ingredients in the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines or cannot get access to those.

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are absolutely safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA).

Should I get a booster?

Research shows that booster shots work and significantly increase the protection COVID-19 vaccines provide.

As new variants, like Omicron, increase the likelihood of infection, a booster can turbocharge your body’s immune system to keep you healthy or minimize the symptoms you experience.

• Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine information
• Moderna vaccine information
• Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine information
• Novavax vaccine information

What should I do to protect myself?

Get vaccinated and, if you’re eligible, get your booster. And keep taking important precautions.

• Wear a face mask to protect yourself and others when you’re out in public.
• Practice social distancing. Maintain a 6-foot distance from other people and avoid crowds.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Throw it in the trash when you’re done.

Where can I get tested?

You can find community testing centers throughout metro Atlanta.

• Click here to find a health center offering low-cost or no-cost tests.
• To find a CVS pharmacy near you that offers tests, click here.
• To find a Walgreens pharmacy near you that offers tests, click here.
• To find a Walmart-Quest Diagnostics location near you that offers tests, click here.

For additional testing locations, visit the Georgia Health Department’s website.

What if I test positive for COVID?

Most people have mild illness and can recover at home. If you are sick:

• Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas and do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask.
• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis if possible.

If you test positive and are an older adult or someone who is at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, call your doctor right away after a positive test to determine if you need antiviral medication, even if your symptoms are mild right now.