Tennesseeâs updated COVID-19 vaccination plan announced Wednesday could see county residents 75 and older eligible for a shot this month.
The Tennessee Department of Health has added age-based vaccination in 10-year brackets alongside the existing phases. That means anyone in those age groups can receive a vaccine, even if they donât fall into a particular risk group.
âCOVID-19 vaccines remain limited at this time, and Tennesseeâs allocation plan prioritizes those most at risk of illness and death from COVID-19,â TDH Commissioner Lisa Piercey said in a release from the department. âThe plan also prioritizes critical infrastructure workers who have direct public exposure or work in environments posing a higher risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.â
Pfizerâs COVID-19 vaccine is now being distributed in Wilson County, and officials say it could mean the beginning of the end for the pandemic.
Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital delivered shots to approximately 30 frontline workers on Friday and expects to continue at a similar pace in the coming days.
âI think this is the culmination of an incredible amount of work by a worldwide effort, really,â VWCH Associate Chief Medical Officer Adam Huggins said. âTo finally see what we think is really the first step towards the end of this process â I mean, thereâs still obviously a long way to go but this is a huge first step towards that end.â