COVID-19 vaccinations to begin, here’s what you need to know as a healthcare provider

December 15, 2020- On December 14th, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced that doses of COVID-19 vaccines arrived to Georgia.

“The Coastal Health District is fine-tuning the logistics of thawing, preparing and administering the vaccine, and will begin vaccinating front line public health staff this afternoon. A broader vaccination program for high priority individuals in Chatham, Glynn, and surrounding counties will begin tomorrow [December 15th]” stated the Department in the official press release.

In a recent letter (attached), DPH Commissioner Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey provided instructions for healthcare providers not enrolled as a COVID-19 vaccine administrator. “If you and your practice are enrolled as a COVID-19 vaccine administration site, you may be vaccinated from the vaccine supply being shipped to you directly. If you or your practice are not enrolled as a vaccine provider, there are several ways for you to get vaccinated:

1. Health care workers affiliated with a health care system (hospital, clinic or private practice) or pharmacy should contact their respective facilities about the process for vaccinating eligible employees. 2. Health care workers with access to a community hospital or pharmacy, can seek vaccination there.
2. Health care workers without access to these facilities – including those who have started the enrollment process to become a COVID-19 vaccine administration site but have not yet been approved – should contact their district health director (https://dph.georgia.gov/media/60761/download) for vaccination.”

If you want to enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine administrator, please follow the instructions below.

COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Enrollment Process

14 DEC 2020

1. The enrollment process has moved from a paper-based format to an online format in GRITS. You can access your status in GRITS: https://www.grits.state.ga.us/production/security_ui.showLogin

1. You will have one of three statuses:
   1. Approved – You’re good to go.
   2. Duplicate – This means you have already submitted your enrollment and it is pending approval.
   3. You can enroll. Please use the checklist to ensure you complete all the necessary steps, including training. You will need to complete training for shipping, handling, and storage of COVID-19 vaccine, along with GRITS training and administration processes. You will need your certificates as .pdf attachments.
   4. Your IIS Identifier is the organization code you use to login to GRITS.
   5. GIP staff will work with providers individually to obtain any missing information, and to verify that all requirements have been met.

1. Once GIP fully processes your completed enrollment application, they will send a confirmation email to you. That email will contain your approval, your PIN, and an order survey to complete your first vaccine order.
2. Complete the order survey using the PIN provided to you (do not include the preceding GAA). Please take a screenshot of the last page as confirmation for your records.
3. Beginning Monday, December 14, you will receive an email when your order has been placed.

1. Please send any questions to: DPH-COVID19Vaccine@dph.ga.gov.

About DPH

The mission of the Georgia Department of Public Health is:

To prevent disease, injury, and disability; promote health and well-being; and prepare for and respond to disasters.

DPH’s workforce is guided by the following core values in carrying out our public health work:

People – We value our employees as professional colleagues.  We treat our customers, clients, partners, and those we serve with respect by listening, understanding, and responding to needs. 
 
Excellence – Commitment, accountability, and transparency for optimal efficient, effective, and responsive performance. 
 
Partnership – Internal and external teamwork to solve problems, make decisions, and achieve common goals. 
 
Innovation – New approaches and progressive solutions to problems.  Embracing change and accepting reasonable risk. 
 
Science – The application of the best available research, data and analysis leading to improved outcomes.