All Tennessees ages 75 and older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines in most counties in southeast Tennessee, including Hamilton, based on changes to the state’s vaccination plan released Wednesday.
K-12 school staff and child care workers have also moved to the vaccine priority line – ahead of high-risk adults and other critical infrastructure workers – as well as adults of childbearing age. 65 years and over. However, these groups will not be eligible until the next vaccination phase, which is expected to begin around February or March, according to a graphic illustration of the new plan from the Tennessee Department of Health.
Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said at a news conference that the changes focus on reducing risks to the health care system, society and the economy, while protecting those most vulnerable to severe and deadly COVID infection. 19.
With each new phase, people under the age of 10 will become eligible for vaccination regardless of their job or basic health status.
“Our plan is based on data from Tennessee. We know more than half of Tennessee are hospitalized [with COVID-19] there are 65 plus, and 80% of our deaths are 65 plus, “Piercey said, adding that the rationale behind the new priority for teachers and childcare workers is based on social risk.
“We know how important schools are for the functioning of our society and our economy – not just keeping children in schools so that they can learn and educate, but also keeping their parents at work,” she said.
Several other groups, including people over the age of 18 who cannot live independently due to health conditions or disability, are now eligible for vaccination. The following list contains all currently eligible groups in Hamilton County, based on a press release from the Hamilton County Department of Health:
* All health care workers with direct exposure to patients or potentially infectious materials (including hospital staff, outpatient providers, pharmacy staff, patient transportation, therapists, porters, dental providers, behavioral health providers, laboratory staff working with COVID-19 specimens , mortuary workers)
* Home health care staff
* COVID-19 mass test site staff
* Student health providers
* Personnel and residents of long-term care units
* First respondents
* People over the age of 18 who cannot live independently due to health conditions or disability
* Anyone 75 years of age or older (must be a resident of Hamilton County)
Counties can progress through allocation phases at different times, depending on their supply and demand for the vaccine. Coffee County was the only county in southeastern Tennessee that has not yet vaccinated people aged 75 and over, according to the health department’s website on Wednesday.
Tennessees who qualify for vaccination can be vaccinated through their employer or a local health department. Staff members and residents of long-term care institutions will receive vaccinations through a partnership between pharmacies and the state.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga Health Workers Among the First Tennessees Vaccinated Against COVID-19)
Eligible individuals seeking vaccination in Southeast Tennessee counties outside Hamilton County should call their local health department to make an appointment.
The COVID-19 vaccination site of the Hamilton County Department of Health on Highway 4301 Amnicola will be opened and will offer the Pfizer vaccine to eligible individuals – including anyone over the age of 75 who live or work in the county – on Thursday from 9:00 to 17:00 Those wishing to be vaccinated must provide proof of eligibility, such as a work ID and / or residence documentation.
“We realize that information is changing rapidly about the distribution of vaccines,” Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes said in a press release. “We call for the continued patience of our residents as our staff work on the challenges of this massive enterprise.”
To date, the Hamilton County Department of Health has received 3,400 doses of Moderna vaccine and 975 doses of Pfizer vaccine. As of Wednesday, the department has administered a total of 3,086 doses.
The health department’s efforts add to ongoing vaccination campaigns at local hospitals. Chattanooga’s three major health systems – CHI Memorial, Parkridge and Erlanger – reported that they vaccinated nearly 8,350 staff members together Wednesday and have at least 2,900 additional doses on hand, with plans to administer them in the future. near.
The changes to the state’s general plan come as Tennessee was behind its vaccination target after a snowstorm last week delayed Modern Vaccine deliveries.
The Tennessee vaccination plan has undergone several revisions since it was first introduced in the fall, and officials said more changes may be in demand depending on demand and as vaccine stocks grow.
More people will need to be vaccinated before the pandemic can be controlled, so wearing face masks, socializing and getting tested when exposed or sick remain critical, officials said.
The COVID-19 vaccination plan in Tennessee is available online.
Contact Elizabeth Fite at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @ecfite.