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After a slowdown during the holidays, COVID-19 vaccinations are picking up across the state and in Northeast Tennessee.
The vaccination of more people in our area is good news as we continue to wear masks and maintain social distancing in public places. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel as cases have been down the last few days in Northeast Tennessee, especially Carter County.
Locally, vaccinations have been ramped up for employees and residents of long-term care facilities as well as people 75 and older.
The Tennessee Department of Health Tuesday reported vaccinating 29,632 persons within the last seven days.
In Carter County, vaccinations are currently in the 1a1, 1a2, 1b, and 75 years and older phase.
The COVID-19 vaccines currently in use require two doses for the best protection against the virus. People who receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a county health department will be contacted to make an appointment to receive their second dose of vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine supply is still limited, and Tennessee counties may progress through COVID-19 vaccination phases at different times, depending on supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. Tennessee county health departments will announce additional opportunities for residents to receive vaccinations as vaccine supplies become available, and as the county moves to new phases of the vaccination plan. Everyone who qualifies to receive the vaccine before it’s generally available to the public should take that opportunity. As more and more people are vaccinated, we will build up a wall against the coronavirus and reduce the risk to all of us.
The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines have been determined to be safe and approved for use throughout the United States.
People who are in a phase currently being vaccinated in their county can register online at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-phases/ for an appointment time to receive a vaccination through their county health department. Click your county on the map and then click “Make an Appointment” to register. Those who register will be asked to enter their name and contact information to be notified of their appointment date, time and location as soon as vaccine becomes available.