Lewis County begins COVID-19 Vaccination of Adults Age 70 and Older

Tennessee began administering COVID-19 vaccinations to Tennesseans aged 70 and older this week as the state has begun receiving increased allocations of COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccination in Tennessee is being conducted using a phased approach based on age and risk category. Currently, those age 70 or older are eligible to receive the vaccine in Lewis County, along with those who are in phases 1a1 and 1a2, based on occupations related to health care. Phases will be updated as vaccine supplies increase.

As of Tuesday, February 2, Lewis County Health Department had vaccine and was distributing it to individuals 70 and over. To schedule an appointment, call 1-866-442-5301.

As expansion of COVID-19 vaccination efforts continues, Lewis Health Center (LHC) in Hohenwald has been named one of several rural health care providers that will administer vaccines to those who are eligible.

In late January, the State of Tennessee announced plans to expand access to COVID-19 vaccination in rural and underserved areas of the state. As part of this initiative, “safety net clinics” were identified to help reach vulnerable community members. According to LHC Operations Manager Hugh Bennett, LHC is one of several federally-qualified health centers that have been named to assist with administration of vaccines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Two COVID-19 vaccines currently have emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, one from Pfizer and one manufactured by Moderna. Lewis Health Center will administer the Moderna vaccine, which requires two doses administered approximately 28 days apart.

Over the coming weeks, LHC staff members will be reaching out to patients who are eligible for vaccination to schedule an appointment for a first-dose vaccine. Second dose appointments will be scheduled at the time of vaccination. Supplies are limited at this time and vaccine will be available by appointment only. Community members are encouraged to follow Lewis Health Center on Facebook for updates regarding availability of vaccine.

TDH estimates there are about 300,000 Tennesseans in the 70-74 year old age group. Tennessee is expecting about 93,000 doses of these vaccines this week, a 15 percent increase in the state’s previous weekly vaccine allocations.

Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan prioritizes those most at risk of illness and death from COVID-19. People aged 70 to 74 have a 70 percent higher rate of death and a 40 percent higher rate of hospitalization from COVID-19 as compared to those aged 65 to 69.

Tennessee will continue to move through phases of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan as vaccine supplies increase. TDH expects the state may be able to expand vaccination to Phase 1b groups and those aged 65 and older as soon as March if vaccine supplies continues to increase, as expected.

TDH reminds all Tennesseans that in addition to vaccination, wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance and getting tested when exposed or sick are critical to controlling the pandemic.