Coronavirus News & Updates

Health Departments Scheduling by Phase as Vaccine Supplies Arrive

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 11, 2021) – Tennessee county health departments are now booking appointments for people in Phase 1 populations of the Tennessee COVID-19 Vaccination Plan and those aged 75 and up who wish to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. 

Tennesseans can follow a simple, three-step process to learn when they’re eligible for vaccination and register for a vaccination appointment: 
1. Find Your Phase
Tennesseans can find out what phase of the vaccination plan they’re in by visiting https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/eligibility/.

2. Find the Phase Your County is Vaccinating
To learn what phase your county is vaccinating, visit https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-phases/.

3. Register for a Vaccination Appointment
People who are in a phase currently being vaccinated in their county can register online at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-phases/ for an appointment time to receive a vaccination through their county health department. Click your county on the map and then click “Make an Appointment” to register. Those who register will be asked to enter their name and contact information to be notified of their appointment date, time and location as soon as vaccine becomes available.


The COVID-19 vaccines currently in use require two doses for the best protection against the virus. People who receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a county health department will be contacted to make an appointment to receive their second dose of vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine supply is still limited, and Tennessee counties may progress through COVID-19 vaccination phases at different times, depending on supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. Tennessee county health departments will announce additional opportunities for residents to receive vaccinations as vaccine supplies become available, and as the county moves to new phases of the vaccination plan. Those with general questions about COVID-19 may call the COVID-19 Public Information Line at 877-857-2945 or 833-556-2476 between 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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.

The Tennessee Department of Health updated the Tennessee COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Dec. 30. COVID-19 vaccines remain limited at this time, and Tennessee’s allocation plan prioritizes those most at risk of illness and death from COVID-19. 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 www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/COVID-19_Vaccine_FAQ.pdf.  


Latest info from Tennessee State Department of Health on COVID-19 cases

Case Management Update
TDH will post COVID-19 updated numbers online by 2 p.m. each day at tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html.

The TDH State Public Health Laboratory is now running COVID-19 testing statewide to assist public health authorities and health care workers in identifying cases and treating individuals.

The Tennessee Department of Health oversees 89 county health departments and serves as a partner to the six major metropolitan jurisdictions including:  Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Knox, Hamilton and Sullivan counties.

Recommended Precautions
Tennesseans are encouraged to take routine precautions used in guarding against respiratory viruses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. 
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing 
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands 
  • Stay home if you are sick 
  • Stay away from people who are sick
COVID-19 Symptoms
Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have mild respiratory illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath. A smaller number of patients have severe symptoms requiring hospitalization.

COVID-19 Information Line
TDH has launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center. The number is 877-857-2945 or 833-556-2476 and is available daily Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central. 

People with concerns about their health should contact their health care providers. TDH has additional information available at tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html.

The CDC has updated information and guidance available online at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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