Hamilton County Health Department officials began administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to those who qualified Thursday morning on their Tennessee Riverpark drive-thru vaccination POD and faced unexpected problems. This was the first day that from the age of 75 and other categories were added to the Tennessee Department of Health Vaccination Plan.
The authorities said, after hundreds of people who waited in line for up to six hours were rejected, found that there was more vaccine available than previously thought, so close contacts were called in to get the desired vaccines.
The authorities said: “Due to the unprecedented interest in the vaccine, roads and highways to the vaccination site were paralyzed for miles and traffic safety was a concern.
“At 1 pm, the authorities made the decision to close the entrance gate. People outside the gate were sitting in their vehicles for hours and the authorities did not want them to remain in their cars and not get the vaccine because the supply was limited.
“At that time, the authorities projected that there would be enough doses for the hundreds of people waiting in line inside the park. These people continued along the path from the park to the vaccination stand and the last of the queue left around 4:30 am ”.
Health Department administrator Becky Barnes said: “In the late afternoon, we realized that we had more vaccine available than expected. The nurses were able to take six and occasionally seven doses of some vials, instead of the projected five. This was our first day using the Pfizer vaccine and the team had no history of designing the actual doses we would have. The vaccine doses were thawed and prepared and should be given to people as soon as possible. The Department of Health’s intention is never to miss a single dose.
“As the thawed vaccine needed to be used as soon as possible, staff at the scene were asked to call people who knew they could get there as quickly as possible. By 7 pm, the Health Department had administered 1,158 doses. No dose was administered wasted. “
Ms. Barnes said: “The dose estimate was a miscalculation on our part and we learned from it. We ask for the continued patience of our residents while the Health Department team works with the challenges that this huge undertaking brings. “
The Department of Health plans to open additional vaccination days next week, when shipments arrive, and will inform the public as soon as these dates are confirmed.
However, the public is invited to subscribe to the Ministry of Health’s mailing list http://bit.ly/3nWWh5P, visit the COVID-19 vaccination page: https://bit.ly/3hrmQxJ or follow on social networks: http : //health.hamiltontn.org/