Health Department To Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility To Include Phases 2a And 2b On Monday – The Chattanoogan

The Hamilton County Health Department will align with the State of TennesseesVaccination Planand expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include phases 2a and 2b, effective March 22.

Phase 2a Includes:

Tennesseans Employed in the Following Critical Infrastructure Industries

Phase 2b Includes:

Tennesseans Employed in the Following Critical Infrastructure Industries

These new Phases include our Countys critical infrastructure workers, many of whom continued to interface with the public when other sectors shut down or offered their staff a work-at home option, says Hamilton County Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes. These essential workers repaired utility poles after a storm, worked in factories to keep food on the table, kept our transportation systems open and made essential support services available. We encourage everyone who qualifies in this new phase to make an appointment beginning Monday.

Make An Appointment

People in the eligible phases (1a1, 1a2, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b & Adults 55+), especially those in the most recent age group addition of55-64, are encouraged to sign up now to ensure their vaccination appointment. Visitvaccine.hamiltontn.govtomake an appointment online. Appointments are available for the current phase this Sunday. Those who do not have access to the internet can call the appointment call center to make an appointment over the phone:

First dose appointments: 423-209-5398

Second dose appointments: 423-209-5399

Spanish appointment line: 423-209-5384

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.

The Health Departments general COVID-19 hotline 423-209-8383 is available to connect people to vaccine and testing resources. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8AM-4PM and Saturday 10AM-3PM. Bilingual representatives are available.

Visithttps://vaccinefinder.org/search/and enter your zip code for a full list of providers and pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine.

Current Phases/Eligibility

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are for people who live or work in Hamilton County and meet current eligibility. For a full list of eligible phases, visitvaccine.hamiltontn.govand click on the Current Phases/Eligibility tab. To see the list in Spanish, visit the Spanishwebsiteand scroll to the bottom.

The Health Department will ask for documentation to show that patients live or work in Hamilton County. The Department will not ask for proof of Phase 1C or work category status. A list of documents accepted is available on the Health Departments website.

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)

Print and complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Encounter form for both first and second dose appointments. Click here to download the form:https://bit.ly/3caxvL3. Forms are available on-site, but bringing a completed form to the vaccination site will accelerate the process.

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. This date is not an appointment. Patient must schedule a second dose appointment.

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:health.hamiltontn.org/AllServices/Coronavirus(COVID-19)/ConnectWithUs.aspx.

Transportation is available to the vaccination site. Call 423-209-8383 to schedule a ride.

Follow this link:

Health Department To Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility To Include Phases 2a And 2b On Monday - The Chattanoogan