The Tennessee Department of Health will be making changes to its vaccination policies, which may open the door for all adults in Shelby County to get vaccinated sooner rather than expected.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris reported the news first on social media, tweeting “It is great news that the state will soon announce plans for all adults in @ShelbyCoTN to be vaccinated.
I urge everyone—meaning every adult in Shelby County—to get the shot, and make the case to neighbors and loved ones about the importance of taking the vaccine.”
Local leaders requested that the state allow them to vaccinate all Shelby County residents.
A spokesperson for Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland confirmed on Friday his office sent the request to the state, and “they are considering it.”
They didn’t say when the request was made or when they expect to hear back.
On Friday, however, the Tennessee Department of Health announced counties could move through the vaccination phases as long as they have enough vaccine.
Gov. Bill Lee confirmed that news and said that on Monday, the state will announce adults 55 and up are eligible.
The Shelby County Health Department announced Thursday they would be moving into a new phase of the vaccination process, allowing more workers to be eligible.
That list includes those who work in transportation, social services, public infrastructure, and corrections. The department says Phase 2a/2b also includes those 55 or older.
The state now says that counties can move through the phases at their own discretion based upon their supply.
“As Tennessee continues working to protect those most at risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 and provide vaccinations as quickly as possible, counties may progress through each of the phases as vaccine supply allows,” the statement read.
Click here to view the full list of those who qualify.
Also on Thursday, Dr. Gina Sweat with the Memphis Fire Department said they had begun targeting the homebound and homeless population in Memphis, calling it “a very labor-intensive work.”
As of Friday, the health department has administered more than 234,000 Covid-19 doses. More than 164,000 people have received at least one dose, and more than 69,000 have received two doses.
You can visit https://covid19.memphistn.gov/ or call 901-222- 7468 (SHOT) to make a vaccination appointment.
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