ATLANTA — Governor Brian Kemp says the first batch of COVID-19 is a week to 10 days from arriving in Georgia.

In a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Kemp said the first doses will go to the elderly and health care workers.

But Kemp warned that the first shipments won’t be enough to stop the spread of the coronavirus, so he reminded the public to continue wearing masks, washing hands and practicing social distance.

“The general public will not be able to be vaccinated for months,” Kemp said.

Dr. Kathleen Toomey, with the Georgia Department of Public Health, said the first batch of COVID-19 doses will number in the several hundred thousands. More deliveries will be coming after.

“We have to reassure everyone that this vaccine is safe, effective and that there’s good science behind it,” Toomey said.

The initial doses will be dedicated for long-term care resident and health care workers, then the next deliveries will be for essential workers, people 65 and over.

The number of vaccines to be shipped will be determined by the federal government. They will be the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine, both requiring two doses.

Toomey said it won’t be enough to cover healthcare workers or the long-term care facilities at first. She said facilities will give the state a prioritized list. Then transport will be done with the help of the Georgia National Guard and Georgia State Patrol.

Toomey also reminded people there will be side effects that include a mild fever, soreness and flu-like symptoms that could keep you out of work for a day or two.

“Again, being very transparent, that’s something we need to communicate about. That’s to be expected. That’s not a complication,” Toomey said.

[SPECIAL SECTION: COVID-19 in Georgia]

Overnight Tuesday, the first people in the U.K. received the first COVID-19 vaccine, which has been described as a turning point in the pandemic.

“I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19,” said 91-year-old Margaret Keenan, a former jewelry shop assistant, who wore a surgical mask and a blue Merry Christmas T-shirt decorated with a cartoon penguin wearing a Santa hat and red scarf. “It’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year.”

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Health officials in Georgia said they are in high demand as millions of people will be heading into doctor offices, clinics and other health departments to receive the vaccine.

“We should be prepared for an influx of work,” said Dr. Sharmon P. Osae.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended healthcare workers and long-term nursing home residents be the first to receive the vaccine, once it is approved and becomes available.

Cox Media Group