NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee is preparing to move into 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, child care workers and those aged 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 into the next phase of the distribution plan. Last week, the Metro Public Health Department announced it is ready to set appointments for teachers and residents 70 years and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Due to supply, Tennesseans should check with their local health department to see which phase the county is in for vaccine distribution.
"Tennessee has administered more than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine so far, and we’ve made substantial progress in protecting our senior citizens who are over age 70 through vaccination,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey. "While we remain focused on our seniors, who are the highest-risk population, we’re able to expand vaccine eligibility to these additional groups as our supply continues to grow each week."
The health department launched an online scheduling tool for those wanting 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 although pregnant women were not including in the COVID-19 vaccine trials, they are at an increased risk for hospitalization and possible death from COVID-19. These women are encouraged to talk with their health care providers to help make informed decisions on the vaccine.
