The Hamilton County Health Department has added 4,597 first dose Pfizer appointments to the schedule. With the increase in doses, the Health Department announced the opening of a third vaccination site located at the Enterprise South Nature Park, 190 Still Hollow Loop.
Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes said, “Opening a vaccination site at Enterprise South Nature Park allows us to expand our efforts to another part of Hamilton County. We are delighted for the opportunity to offer the vaccine at three locations.”
New First Dose Appointments
- February 15-18 at the Tennessee Riverpark
- February 19-20 at the Enterprise South Nature Park
People in the eligible phases (1a1, 1a2 and adults 70+) are encouraged to visit https://vaccine.hamiltontn.gov/ and make their appointment online. Those who do not have access to the internet can call the appointment call center for assistance:
· First dose appointments: 423-209-5398
· Second dose appointments: 423-209-5399
A Spanish vaccine webpage and Spanish appointment call center are available for residents who speak Spanish.
· Spanish appointment line: 423-209-5384
· Spanish vaccine webpage: http://health.hamiltontn.org/en-us/allservices/coronavirus(covid-19)/vaccine/vacunacióncontracovid19.aspx
All three call center lines are open Monday-Friday from 8AM-4PM. Due to high call volume, callers may experience a busy signal and need to hang up and call back.
General COVID-19 questions may be directed to the Health Department’s hotline at 423-209-8383. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8AM-4PM and Saturday 10AM-3PM. Bilingual representatives are available.
Current Phases/Eligibility
Hamilton County’s vaccine distribution is guided by phases according to the State of Tennessee’s Vaccination Plan. Only those eligible in the current phases will be able to make an appointment.
Phase 1a1 includes:
· Hospital/Free-Standing Emergency Department Staff with Direct Patient Exposure and/or Exposure to Potentially-Infectious Materials
· Home health care staff
· COVID-19 mass testing site staff
· Student health providers
· Staff & Residents of Long Term Care Facilities
· (Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Centers, Homes for the Aged, DIDD Residential Centers, Group Homes)
· First Responders with Direct Public Exposure including Jailers
· Individuals >18yrs who cannot live independently due to serious chronic medical condition or intellectual or developmental disabilities
Phase 1a2 includes:
Other Health Care Workers with Direct Patient Exposure
· Primary care providers and staff
· Outpatient specialty providers and staff working with acute patients
· Pharmacists and staff
· Patient transport
· Outpatient therapists
· Urgent visit center providers and staff
· Environmental services
· Oral health providers
· Behavioral health providers
· Outpatient laboratory staff working with COVID-19 specimens
· Funeral/mortuary workers with direct decedent contact
Age Group Bracket:
· 70 years or older, must be Hamilton County resident
· No specific medical conditions are required
Important Information to Know Prior to Appointment
· Do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
· Wear appropriate clothing to get a shot in upper arm
· Bring proof of Hamilton County residency (if applicable)
· Bring proof of Hamilton County employment (if applicable)
· Bring proof of age (if applicable)
· Bring COVID-19 Vaccine Encounter form (if possible; form available for download on registration page)
· Be prepared to wait 20 minutes after shot
· Be prepared for the entire process to take an hour or more
Vaccination Record Card
When patients receive their first dose with the Health Department, they will receive a Vaccination Record Card with the following important information.
· The vaccine manufacturer (either Moderna or Pfizer)
· The date the first dose of vaccine was given
· The date the second vaccine dose is due
It is important to keep the Vaccination Record Card because when making the appointment for the second dose of vaccine, it helps ensure the correct product is received and in the correct timeframe. The current recommendation is that second dose vaccinations be received either on or after the recommended date on the Vaccination Record Card, not before.
Additional Resources
· Stay up-to-date on new vaccine appointment information. Follow the health department via their email newsletter and social media accounts, available at this link: http://health.hamiltontn.org/AllServices/Coronavirus(COVID-19)/ConnectWithUs.aspx.
· Download and print the Health Department’s new bilingual poster “COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Information” at this link: https://bit.ly/2YFsVOy