THOMASVILLE — A regional public health official expects a COVID-19 vaccine to be available shortly.

“From what we’re hearing, it could become a reality in the next couple of months,” said Charles Ruis, M.D., the Southwest Health District public health director.

Every health department in the 14-county district, including Thomas and Grady counties, will administer the vaccine. The vaccine also will be administered by hospitals and other medical facilities, Dr. Ruis said.

Seven Thomasville medical entities have registered to receive and administer the vaccine: Archbold Memorial Hospital, Thomas County Health Department and five others that include medical practices and pharmacies.

Dr. Ruis said several drug companies worldwide are developing a vaccine.

“Some have pretty impressive abilities to generate antibodies in humans,” the physician said. “So far, the safety looks good.” Dr. Ruis said RUIS

he does not know when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will approve a vaccine and allow it to be administered,

but information shows it will be in upcoming months.

He said there is a strong possibility the vaccine will require two or more injections to be administered during a six-month period.

The vaccine, he said, will be primarily for asymptomatic individuals and will be administered before someone becomes sick.

It is not known now if those who contracted COVID-19 will get the vaccine, but they might be advised to.

The vaccine will not be safe for pregnant women or children until further research is done, Dr. Ruis said, adding that the ruling on children might change.

The first round of the vaccine would be administered to health care providers, first responders and those who work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted-living residences and the elderly. Dr. Ruis said the age considered elderly might be as low as 60. Plans are being formed now to determine the best way to administer the vaccine. Drive-through arrangements are being considered.

Administering the vaccine must be safe for medical personnel and those receiving the injection in a drive-through method, Dr. Ruis said. Hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine will be needed.

The nationwide plan is for no one to pay out of pocket for the vaccine.

Billing insurance companies for administrative costs has been discussed, but the vaccine will be paid for by the government, the physician said.

“We’re all very excited about getting involved in the vaccination process,” Dr. Ruis added.