NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) – Tennessee is preparing to move on 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, which includes teachers, daycare workers and people 65 and older, can begin registering for a vaccination appointment on February 22.
Individual counties are moving at a different pace, but the state is preparing to move on to the next phase of the distribution plan. Last week, Metro’s Department of Public Health announced that it is ready to make appointments for teachers and residents aged 70 and over to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to the supply, Tennesseans should check with the local health department to see what stage the county is in for the distribution of the vaccine.
“Tennessee has administered more than a million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine so far and we have made substantial progress in protecting our elderly citizens over 70 through vaccination,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey . “While we. stay focused on our elderly, who are the most at risk population, we are able to expand the vaccine’s eligibility to these additional groups as our supply continues to grow every week.
The health department has launched an online scheduling tool for anyone who wants 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 were not included in the COVID-19 vaccine trials, they have an increased risk of hospitalization and possible death from COVID-19. These women are encouraged to talk to their health care professionals to help make informed decisions about the vaccine.