This gives some information on the state plan to roll out the vaccines.

The Tennessee Department of Health has updated the Tennessee COVID-19 Vaccination Plan based on new recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and discussions with Tennessee’s Unified Command Group and a stakeholder group of more than 30 partner agencies and organizations. The plan is available online at www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/COVID-19_Vaccination_Plan.pdf.

Tennessee’s allocation plan prioritizes those most at risk of illness and death from COVID-19 as well as critical infrastructure workers who have direct public exposure or work in environments posing a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 based on Tennessee data. Equity remains a crosscutting consideration of Tennessee’s plan, with attention given to ensure unlicensed health care workers, low wage earners and those with limited access to health care resources will have access to vaccination.

It is important to note Tennessee counties may progress through phases at different times, depending on supply of the COVID-19 vaccines and demand for them. To learn what phase your county is in, visit www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/CountyPhaseStatus.pdf or call your local county health department.

(Page 13 of Vaccination Plan)

Tennessee is now in Phase 1a, which is subdivided into two phases: Phase 1a1 for in-patient health care providers, first responders with direct exposure to the public and staff members and residents of long-term care facilities, and Phase 1a2 for those primarily working in outpatient health care settings. Those qualifying for vaccination in Phase 1a may be offered vaccine by their employer, through their local health department or through a partnering hospital.

Most staff members and residents of long-term care facilities will be provided vaccinations through the federal partnership with Walgreens and CVS, in partnership with a local pharmacy or via TDH vaccination strike teams. Staff and families of long term care facilities should contact those facilities with questions regarding their plan for vaccination. TDH is advising Phase 1a1 and 1a2 individuals to check with their employer or contact their local health department for more information about where and when they may receive vaccination.

Tennessee is also beginning age-based vaccination in ten-year age brackets, starting with those aged 75 and above.

TDH provides answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination at https://covid19.tn.gov/data/faqs/. As a reminder, TDH hosts a webinar every Friday from noon-1 p.m. Central time as an opportunity for health care providers to submit questions that are answered by the immunization program team. Learn more and register for the January 8^th webinar at www.tn.gov/content/tn/health/cedep/ncov/covid-19-webinars.html.  Medical offices wishing to provide COVID-19 vaccines to patients and/or the public may begin the onboarding process by completing the CDC’s Provider Agreement and Profile, found on our vaccine resources page for providers: COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Healthcare Providers (tn.gov).

As a health care worker, you have been critical to caring for all Tennesseans affected by COVID-19. For that, we are all deeply grateful. If you are in phase 1a1 or 1a2, please reach out to your county health department to coordinate vaccination as soon as your county enters the corresponding phase. Your protection is our priority.