NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Starting Saturday, Metro Nashville Public Health will begin administering COVID-19 vaccinations at Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Nashville news outlets were given the opportunity to tour the space Friday.
Only people with appointments are able to come get a vaccine. If you're over 75 years old or meet the current occupation criteria, you can schedule an appointment by visiting ASafeNashville.org or call 615-862-7777.
Here's what you need to know before you come.
Parking
Anyone who has an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine can park for free on the P-2 level of Music City Center's garage. You can access P-2 from Sixth Avenue that runs underneath the building.
Those with mobility issues can have a golf cart pick them up from their car and take them to the Sixth Avenue entrance to MCC.
Getting inside Music City Center
Those receiving the vaccine should use the Sixth Avenue entrance. Greeters at the door will take your temperature and check the list to make sure you have an appointment set up.
They will direct you up the escalator or elevator to the first floor, around a hallway to the back of an exhibit hall to enter the vaccine center. There will be signs and volunteers in place to guide you where you need to go.
If you have mobility issues, wheelchairs will be made available upon request.
Getting the Vaccine
Inside the exhibit hall, the first room is dedicated to registration. You'll weave through the socially distant line to complete the registration process.
"That’s going to be where we verify all of your information is correct, make sure we ask you the 10 screening questions and sign and date your consent form," said Laura Varnier, Director of Nursing for Metro Public Health.
The next room has multiple, spaced out chairs. giving you a chance to sit down and handle the paperwork.
When they're ready for you, they'll bring you into the vaccination room, where 12 tables are staffed with nurses. The nurse can answer any questions you have and will then administer the injection.
The final room is where you are asked to sit for 15 minutes following the vaccination, just to make sure you're safe to go home.
Reason for using MCC
In addition to social distancing, Laura Varnier says space gives them the ability to vaccinate up to 2,000 people a day. But they'll handle just a fraction of that for now, while access to the vaccine remains difficult.
"We’re just waiting for more vaccine and hopefully we’ll have more information in the next few weeks," said Varnier.
Music City Center will be open Monday-Sunday 8 am - 4 pm, by appointment only. The facility will be used for specified essential workers Monday through Friday, and per age bracket on Saturday and Sunday.
