NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville Mayor John Cooper said COVID-19 vaccinations for teachers will begin “as soon as possible,” but the timing as to when that could happen all depends on the city’s vaccine supply.
Cooper provided the update during Metro’s COVID-19 briefing on Thursday, the same day when Metro Nashville Public Schools began its phase-in return to in-person learning. He said public health officials are working with local hospitals and health partners to ensure a “fast and efficient vaccination process” for the county’s 25,000 teachers and childcare workers that are in phase 1b.
“Getting our educators vaccinated is a priority but the timing of our vaccine phases depends on the amount of vaccine Nashville receives from the federal government through the state,” said Cooper.
Cooper also said Metro is expecting a steadily increasing supply of vaccines. For example, this week the city received 9,000 doses instead of its allotted 7,800, but Cooper noted that amount can change on a daily basis.
Dr. Gill Wright, Metro Health’s interim chief medical officer, said the department is looking to move to school vaccinations in the “near future,” and will announce a plan once it’s finalized.
Wright also said they’re working to increase vaccinations among communities of color. He said the health department is taking the same approach with vaccinations as it did with community COVID testing.
He said they’re working with community partners to provide vaccinations through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and through Meharry Medical College. A plan to offer appointments in North Nashville and southeastern Davidson County is still being developed.
Currently, Nashville is offering appointment-only vaccinations at the Music City Center for phases 1a1, 1a2 and those 75 years and older. Click here to make an appointment or learn more about what you can expect when you arrive at the Music City Center.
Wright also said that two of the state’s confirmed cases of the new, more contagious COVID variants were in Nashville. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, health officials again recommended inquiring about receiving monoclonal antibodies – a treatment that could lower your risk of hospitalization.
Watch Metro's full COVID-19 update below:
