All Tennesseans aged 75 and over are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines in most counties in southeastern Tennessee, including Hamilton, based on changes to the state’s vaccination plan released on Wednesday.
Employees at elementary and high schools and daycare centers have also moved up the priority vaccination line – ahead of adults with multiple high-risk conditions and other critical infrastructure workers – as well as adults 65 and older. However, these groups will not be eligible until the next vaccination phase, which is scheduled to begin in February or March, according to a graphic illustration of the Tennessee Department of Health’s new plan.
Tennessee health commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said during 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 the disease. serious and deadly COVID-19 infection.
At each new stage, individuals under the age of 10 will become eligible for vaccination, regardless of their job or if they have underlying health problems.
“Our plan is based on data from Tennessee. We know that more than half of Tenness’s residents who are hospitalized [with COVID-19] there are 65 or more, and 80% of our deaths are 65 or more, “said Piercey, adding that the rationale behind the new priority for teachers and caregivers of children is based on social risk.
“We know how schools are extremely important to the functioning of our society and economy – not only keeping children in schools so that they can learn and be educated, but also keeping parents working,” she said.
Several other groups, including people over 18 who cannot live independently due to health problems or disabilities, are now eligible for vaccination. The following list contains all groups currently qualified in Hamilton County based on a press release from the Hamilton County Department of Health:
* All healthcare professionals with direct exposure to patients or potentially infectious materials (including hospital staff, outpatient providers, pharmacy staff, patient transport, therapists, caretakers, dental providers, behavioral health providers, laboratory staff working with COVID-19 samples, funeral / mortuary workers)
* Home health team
* COVID-19 mass test site team
* Health students
* Staff and residents of long-term care institutions
* First responders
* Individuals over 18 who cannot live independently due to health problems or disabilities
* Anyone aged 75 or over (must be a Hamilton County resident)
Counties can progress through the allocation phases at different times, based on their vaccine supply and demand. Coffee County was the only county in southeastern Tennessee that has yet to vaccinate people aged 75 and over, according to the health department’s website on Wednesday.
Tennesseans who qualify for vaccination can be vaccinated through their employer or at a local health department. Employees and residents of long-term care facilities will receive vaccines through a partnership between pharmacies and the state.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga health workers among the first tenants of Tenness vaccinated against COVID-19)
Qualified persons seeking vaccinations in southeastern Tennessee counties outside Hamilton County should call their local health department to make an appointment.
The Hamilton County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccination site at 4301 Amnicola Highway will open and give the Pfizer vaccine to eligible persons – including anyone aged 75 or over who lives or works in the county – Thursday at 9am at 17h. being vaccinated must bring proof of eligibility, such as a work permit and / or residence documentation.
“We realized that information is changing rapidly about the distribution of the vaccine,” said Department of Health administrator Becky Barnes in the press release. “We ask for the continued patience of our residents as our team works through the challenges that this huge undertaking brings.”
To date, the Hamilton County Department of Health has received 3,400 doses of the Modern vaccine and 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. On Wednesday, the department administered a total of 3,086 doses.
The health department’s efforts are in addition to the vaccination campaigns underway in local hospitals. Chattanooga’s three main health systems – CHI Memorial, Parkridge and Erlanger – reported having vaccinated nearly 8,350 combined staff on Wednesday and have at least 2,900 more doses on hand, with plans to administer them in the near future.
Changes in the overall state plan occur despite Tennessee’s pursuit of its vaccination target after a snowstorm last week delayed shipments of the Modern vaccine.
Tennessee’s vaccine plan has undergone several revisions since it was first introduced in the fall, and officials said more changes are likely to occur based on demand and as vaccine supply increases.
Many more people will need to be vaccinated before the pandemic is controlled, so wearing masks, social distance and getting tested when exposed or sick remains a critical factor, officials said.
Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is available online.
Contact Elizabeth Fite at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @ecfite.