Tennessee will begin administering COVID-19 vaccinations to Tennesseans
aged 70 and older this week as the state has begun receiving increased allocations of COVID-19
vaccines. Tennesseans aged 70 and up may begin registering for COVID-19 vaccination tomorrow, Feb.
2.
Tennesseans can find information on the phases eligible for vaccination in their county and,when
eligible, register for vaccination through their county health department at
https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/county-vaccine-information/. Due to their independent
operations and larger populations, Tennessee’s metropolitan counties may have
different instructions, so residents in these areas should check with local authorities about their
plans.
TDH estimates there are about 300,000 Tennesseans in the 70-74 year old age group. Tennessee can
expand COVID-19 vaccination access to this age group after an increase in the state’s allocation of
COVID-19 vaccines. 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.
It is important to note Tennessee counties may progress through vaccination 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 https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-phases/.
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.
Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is available online at
www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/COVID-19_Vaccination_Plan.pdf.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination at
https://covid19.tn.gov/data/faqs/.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health
and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
This news release can be accessed online at www.tn.gov/health/news.html.