NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) – As of Tuesday, adults 70 years or older can sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Health said the state is now receiving an increased amount of vaccine doses so more Tennesseans have access to a vaccine. The department expects to receive approximately 93,000 doses this week, which is a 15% increase from the previous week.
Previously, the vaccine was offered to healthcare workers, long-term caregivers, first responders and residents aged 75 or older. TDH estimates there are approximately 300,000 Tennesseans in the 70-74 age group.
This announcement means that provinces may start offering doses to the population from 70 to 74 years of age, but the larger provinces of Tennessee may not be ready to offer it to this population due to the supply. Residents in Tennessee’s metropolitan counties like Davidson County should consult their local health department about their plans to distribute the vaccines.
TDH said the COVID-19 vaccination plan prioritizes higher-risk populations and people between the ages of 70 and 74 have a 70% and 40% higher mortality rate due to the virus compared to the 65- to 69-year-olds. The state has said it hopes to start offering vaccinations to 65-year-olds and older as early as March, depending on the offer.
Click here for information on how to register for a COVID-19 vaccine.