With vaccination efforts moving full speed ahead in Washington Parish and Louisiana, state health officials report that almost 18% of state residents are fully vaccinated. Another 41% of state residents say they intend to be vaccinated. But the troubling figure for state health officials is that 32% of state residents don’t plan on getting a vaccine shot.
Even with a major statewide vaccination push, Louisiana currently ranks 45th in the nation in terms of percentage of its population that has received at least one dose of the vaccine. That’s according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Health officials are warning that although much progress has been made in the battle against COVID-19, another surge of Coronavirus is likely if more people don’t get vaccinated.
Newly elected Congresswoman Julia Letlow is urging all residents of the 5th Congressional District, including Washington Parish, to get vaccinated. Her message is especially compelling because her husband, Luke Letlow, died in December of a Coronavirus-related issue shortly after he was elected to Congress. Mrs. Letlow ran to replace him and was elected on March 20, and she is now urging her constituents not to delay in receiving the vaccination.
As of Monday of this week, Washington Parish has had a total of 3,222 cases of the virus reported, with a total of 113 deaths since the pandemic began a year ago.
Vaccinations are now open to everyone in Louisiana over the age of 16. Here is a listing of places in the Franklinton area where the vaccine is available. Appointments are required at most locations.
--Riverside Medical Center, 1900 Main Street, Franklinton (985-839-4431) online appointments by registering at www.rmchospital.com
--Creel’s Family Pharmacy — 26496 Highway 62, Pine (985-848-5555).
--Washington Parish Health Unit, 120 11th Ave., Franklinton (985-839-5646).
--Williams Family Pharmacy, 1058 Tanglewood Drive, Franklinton (985-839-7200).
--Rawls Pharmacy, 36009 Highway 38, Mt. Hermon (985-877-4700).
--Winn-Dixie, Washington Street, Franklinton. (985/839-5450.)
The Greater Hayes Creek Baptist Church, 31499 Hayes Creek Rd, north of Franklinton, is offering a Covid-19 Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, April 8 from 9 am ‘til 12 pm. Registration is available at the site and the vaccine will be administered on a first come, first serve basis. A face mask is required. Documents needed are drivers license or insurance ID card, if you are insured. Contact Mary Bolton at 601-331-3334, Patricia Causey at 985-335-6058 or Nanette Bester at 985-981-4743 for more information.
Vaccination is also available at locations in Bogalusa.
