HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Huntsville Hospital is expected to administer its first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, December 16, at 7:30 a.m. Athens-Limestone Hospital will begin at 7 a.m.
On Tuesday, Athens-Limestone Hospital had a "soft launch", and vaccinated at least 15 doses to medical staff and frontline risk employees. Hospital officials say the vaccine arrived at 8:15 a.m.
The initial vaccine shipment arrived at Huntsville Hospital on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and will be provided to frontline caregivers and other staff who consistently work in direct contact with COVID-19 patients.
The hospital said the initial vaccine dose will be followed by a second vaccine dose 21 days after to ensure its efficacy.
Athens-Limestone Hospital receives, administers vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.
The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health.