NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) – Tennessee is preparing to move to the next phase of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan by the end of the month.
The Tennessee Department of Health said those in Phase 1b, including teachers, child caregivers, and people 65 and older, can register for a vaccination appointment on Feb. 22.
Individual counties are moving at a different pace, but the state is preparing for the next phase of the distribution plan. Last week, the Metro Public Health Department announced it is ready to make appointments for teachers and residents 70 and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Due to the stock, Tennesseans must contact their local health department to see what stage the county is in for vaccine distribution.
“Tennessee has administered more than a million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to date, and we have made significant strides in protecting our seniors over 70 years of age through vaccination,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey. To stay focused on our seniors, who are the highest risk population, we are able to expand vaccine eligibility to these additional groups as our offering continues to grow each week. “
The health department has launched an online planning tool for those who want to make an appointment. Click here for more information.
TDH also announced changes to its vaccination plan. The department is adding pregnant women to the phase 1c group. TDH said that although pregnant women did not participate in the COVID-19 vaccine studies, they are at an increased risk of hospitalization and possible death from COVID-19. These women are encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about the vaccine.