Brunswick Times. September 16, 2022
Editorial: Despite the numbers, the state still needs working hands
The good news continues to flow into Georgia when it comes to unemployment and jobs. The state’s unemployment rate in August remained the same as in July at 2.8%, a record low for Georgia.
As unemployment continues to remain at record levels, the number of jobs continues to grow. Georgia added 15,800 more jobs in August, bringing the state’s total employment to more than 4.82 million, according to a Capitol Beat News Service report.
Although the number of jobs is growing, there are still many opportunities for people looking for work. There are over 220,000 posts on EmployGeogia.com covering over 290,000 available jobs.
The industries with the most available jobs are also the ones that have been hit hard by labor shortages over the past couple of years. There are 37,000 jobs listed in the healthcare industry and 21,000 jobs listed in the retail industry.
Some of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic are beginning to recover, with the housing and food services sector gaining 32,700 jobs over the year. Let’s hope we see the same for the healthcare and retail industries as the year progresses.
What do these numbers mean to the average person? For starters, now is a great time to be a worker. There are many jobs in the state, but not necessarily many workers to fill them.
This means competition for workers is fierce. Employers looking for workers are likely to offer significant compensation and benefits to retain their current workforce as well as attract new workers.
We have seen this happen even for government agencies. The city and county commissions approved budgets with raises for their employees this year, and the board of education on Tuesday approved additional stipends for full-time and part-time employees.
It’s a simple fact that if you want or can work, there is work for you right now. If you do not have a job, but want to work, we recommend that you contact businesses that need workers. Given the current situation in the state, we suspect you will find them receptive to your resume.
Dalton Daily Citizen. September 17, 2022
Editorial: Consider getting an updated COVID booster vaccine
The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and many experts believe it will continue for most of our lives.
Thanks to the miracle of modern medicine, we have made breakthroughs in vaccines and treatments against COVID that have helped save lives and reduce the effects of the disease. Earlier this month, another tool became available in the fight against COVID.
Updated COVID booster vaccines that protect against current variants of the virus are now available at health departments in Whitfield and Murray counties. In addition, some local pharmacies introduce a booster.
The Georgia Department of Public Health said the new “bivalent vaccine contains the genetic makeup of two versions of COVID-19; the original strain, as well as the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which provide better protection against the currently circulating variants of COVID-19.”
The Federal Drug Administration and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have approved two updated boosters. The Moderna booster was approved for those 18 and older, while the Pfizer booster was approved for those 12 and older.
“They will replace the current accelerators for these age groups,” the North Georgia Health District said in a news release. “Residents can receive an updated booster dose two months after completing the primary series or two months after receiving a previous booster dose. The current revaccinations will remain available for children aged 5-11.”
The Georgia Department of Public Health stated that “the bivalent vaccine is considered a booster only. It should not be used as an initial two-dose vaccine against COVID.”
The original COVID vaccines will continue to be used for the main vaccine series and as a booster vaccine for children under 12 years of age. Since both vaccines are available, those who wish to receive the new booster vaccine should indicate this when they go to get the vaccine.
Boosters are available for free to individuals. But their health insurance may be issued.
To receive a booster, you do not need to make an appointment at your local health department during regular clinic hours. You can go to www.nghd.org for each county health department location and hours of operation.
“Continuing flu and COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way for individuals and families to stay protected this winter as the holiday season approaches,” the health district said. “It will also help protect the hospital capacity of the local community ahead of a possible winter surge.”
Talk to your doctor or trusted health care provider about getting an updated COVID booster vaccine.
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