NASHVILLE, Tennessee (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 Phase 1b, which includes teachers, child care workers and those aged 65 and over, can begin registration for a February 22 vaccination meeting.
Individual counties are moving at a different pace, but the state is preparing to move to the next phase of the distribution plan. Last week, the Metro Department of Public Health announced that it is ready to set appointments for teachers and residents aged 70 and over to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine. Due to the supply, Tennessees should contact their local health department to see what stage the county is in distributing the vaccine.
“Tennessee has administered more than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine so far, and we have made substantial progress in protecting the elderly over the age of 70 through vaccination,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey . we stay focused on our seniors, who are the most at risk population, we are able to extend vaccine eligibility to these additional groups as our supply continues to grow each week. “
The Department of Health has launched an online programming tool for those who want to make an appointment. Click HERE for more information.
TDH also announced changes to its vaccination plan. The department adds pregnant women to phase 1c. TDH said that although pregnant women were not included in COVID-19 vaccine studies, they were at increased risk of hospitalization and possible death from COVID-19. These women are encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers to help make informed decisions about the vaccine.