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