Vaccines for COVID-19 are currently being administered! The news media showed the first vaccination in the United States being administered to nurse Sandra Lindsay on December 14, 2020. Lindsay told CNN: "I trust science. What I don't trust is getting Covid-19, because I don't know how it will affect me and the people around me." While it is true that we don’t know what we don’t know, what we do know about this virus is so dangerous that we must work with those who are dedicating day and night to understanding how to defeat it and work with the current game plan to overcome this healthcare crisis.

One exciting tool that helps the healthcare community keep learning while distributing the vaccines is V-safe. V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe uses text messaging and web surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to check in with vaccine recipients following COVID-19 vaccination. V-safe also provides second vaccine dose reminders if needed, and telephone follow up to anyone who reports medically significant (important) adverse events.

Fortunately, The Union County Health Department is receiving the vaccine, but they do not know when or how much they will receive until it is delivered. The good news is you can call now and get on the waiting list so that when you are eligible to receive the vaccine, you will get a call to schedule an appointment to receive your dose. To get on the waiting list, or if you have any other questions or concerns, call the East Region COVID Vaccine Hotline at 865-549-5343, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except on holidays and weekends. There is a protocol for the distribution of the vaccine to be administered in phases, it is as follows:

1a. Healthcare personnel, and Long Term Care facility residents. (Willow Ridge is scheduled to receive theirs on January 6th.)

1b. Persons 75 years and older, and frontline essential workers:
- First Responders (Firefighters, Police)
- Education (teachers, support staff, daycare)
- Food & Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Corrections workers
- U.S. Postal service workers
- Public transit workers
- Grocery store workers

1c. Persons 65-74 years of age, persons 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers.
- Transportation and logistics
- Food Service
- Shelter & Housing (construction)
- Finance
- IT & Communication
- Energy
- Media
- Legal
- Public Safety (Engineers)
- Water & Wastewater

2. All people 16 years and older not already included.

Garnet Southerland, MPH, Claiborne, Grainger and Union County Health Department Director shares the following: “We are pleased with the overwhelming interest Tennesseans are showing in receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, and our county health departments are working as quickly as possible to provide vaccinations as we receive additional shipments of vaccines. COVID-19 vaccine supplies remain limited at this time, and availability of vaccines varies by county. The health department is planning additional vaccination opportunities and will share details about those as vaccine supplies become available. You may find information on doses administered at https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavi…. This dashboard is updated on Tuesdays and Fridays.”

In Union County, the Health Department is providing vaccine for phase 1a1, 1a2 and 75 year old. I took my mother-in-law (age 84) to get her vaccine on January 4th, she received the Moderna shot so she goes back in 28 days to get her second dose. Those receiving the Pfizer return in 21 days for their second dose. After receiving your vaccination, you will be asked to remain on the premises in your car for about 20 minutes so that if you have any type of reaction, help will be available. We were told just honk your horn if something feels wrong and a nurse will be right out. We had no issues, but another family member who received their vaccination on Saturday shared that during the wait after their shot, someone accidentally set off his car alarm and immediately two nurses came running out of two doors ready to help! I just fall more in love with Union County and the awesome people here all the time! Please do remember when you come for your vaccination to wear a mask, bring your ID and a pen, and follow the signs! Wishing you all a healthy new year!