Hamilton County Department of Health officials began administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to those who qualified Thursday morning during their drive-by vaccination POD in the Tennessee River Park and experienced unexpected problems. It was the first day that was 75 years and older, and other categories were added Tennessee Department of Health Vaccination Plan.
Officials said after hundreds of people waiting up to six hours in the queue were turned away, it was learned that more vaccine was available than first thought, so close contacts were called to get the popular shots.
Officials said: ‘Due to the unprecedented interest in the vaccine, roads and highways to the vaccination site were backed miles away and traffic safety was a source of concern.
“At 13:00, officials decided to lock the gate at the entrance. People outside the gate sat in their vehicles for hours, and officials did not want them to stay in their cars and not get the vaccine, because supply was limited.
“At that point, officials predicted there were enough doses for the hundreds of people waiting in line at the park. The people continued through the park route to the vaccination tent and the last in line left around 4:30 p.m.”
Health department manager Becky Barnes said: ‘Late in the afternoon we realized we had more vaccine on hand than expected. Nurses were able to draw six and sometimes seven doses from some vials instead of the projected five. This was our first day using the Pfizer vaccine, and staff had no history of projecting the actual doses. The vaccine doses were thawed and prepared and had to be given to humans as soon as possible. The Department of Health intends to never waste a single dose.
“As the thawed vaccine had to be used as soon as possible, on-site staff are asked to call people they know could get there as soon as possible. By 19:00, the Department of Health had administered 1,158 doses. No single dose was not. wasted. ‘
Me. Barnes said: ‘The dose estimate was a miscalculation on our part, and we learned from it. We demand the continued patience of our residents as the health department overcomes the challenges posed by this great undertaking. ”
The health department plans to open additional vaccination days on delivery next week and will update the public as soon as the dates are confirmed.
Meanwhile, the public is asked to subscribe to the Department of Health’s email list http://bit.ly/3nWWh5P, visit the COVID-19 vaccination website: https://bit.ly/3hrmQxJ or follow on social media: http: //health.hamiltontn.org/