NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) – As of Tuesday, adults over the age of 70 can sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Health said the state is now receiving increased doses of vaccine, allowing more Tennessees to have access to a vaccine. The department expects to receive approximately 93,000 doses this week, an increase of 15% over the previous weekly amount.
Previously, the vaccine was offered to health care workers, long-term care residents, first responders, and residents over 75 years of age or older. TDH estimates that there are about 300,000 Tennessees in the 70-74 age group.
This announcement means that counties may start offering doses to the 70- to 74-year-old population, but larger counties in Tennessee may not be ready to offer them to this population because of the supply. Residents of metropolitan counties in Tennessee, such as Davidson County, should check with their local health department about their vaccine distribution plans.
TDH said its COVID-19 vaccination plan gives priority to higher-risk populations, and people between the ages of 70 and 74 have a 70% higher death rate and a 40% higher hospitalization rate. due to the virus, compared to those aged between 65 and 69 years. hopes to start offering vaccinations to people aged 65 and over even in March, depending on supply.
For information on how to register for a COVID-19 vaccine, click here.