Tennessee Phase 1c population now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

Tennessee has moved into Phase 1c of its vaccination plan.

Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey announced the move during a news briefing last week, which will now grant eligibility to anyone 16 and older with high risk medical conditions and pregnant women to get vaccinated. Below is the full list of those who are eligible according to the Tennessee Department of Health:

*Caregivers (or household residents) of medically fragile children <16 years old (such as technologically dependent individuals, immunocompromised individuals, individuals with diabetes requiring medication, individuals with complex congenital or life-threatening cardiac conditions requiring ongoing medical management, individuals qualifying for a Katie Beckett waiver) *Chronic renal disease *COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis, moderate-severe asthma *Obesity (BMI >30)

*Heart failure, CAD, cardiomyopathies, hypertension

*Sickle cell (not including sickle cell trait) or thalassemia

*Cerebrovascular disease or stroke

*Dementia

*Liver disease

*Immunocompromised or weak immune system (receiving chemotherapy, taking daily oral steroid or other immunosuppressant medication, living with HIV/AIDS, history of organ, blood or bone marrow transplant)

*Technologically dependent (such as individuals who are ventilator dependent, oxygen-dependent, with tracheostomy, chronically wheelchair-bound, require tube feedings, parenteral nutrition, or dialysis)

*Pregnancy (NOTE: The CDC and World Health Organization have advised that pregnancy puts women at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines have not been studied in pregnant women, and women who are pregnant are encouraged to discuss this decision with their medical provider.)

Sullivan County will begin administering shots to the Phase 1c population the following Monday, March 15.

Photo Courtesy: Tennessee Department of Health