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Hamilton County Health Department Announced Expansion of COVID-19 Vaccines to Residents Ages 16 and Older; Effectively Immediately
The Hamilton County Health Department announced it will expand age-based eligibility to residents age 16 and older. This eligibility goes into effect immediately. This announcement comes on the heels of Gov. Bill Lee’s announcement that all Tennessee adults would be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination by April 5, 2021.
It is important to note that vaccine availability is dependent on the supply given from each vaccine manufacturer, as the FDA has not authorized all COVID-19 vaccines to persons younger than 18 years old. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for use in individuals age 16 or older, while both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for use in individuals age 18 or older. This means that individuals age 16 or 17 will only be eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. Minors (16 and 17 years of age) must have a parent/guardian with them to give consent at the time of vaccination.
Anyone seeking vaccination from the Hamilton County Health Department based on their age must be a resident of Hamilton County. The Health Department requires proof of a Hamilton County address through the documentation listed below. There are no specific medical conditions required for age-based eligibility.
Proof of Hamilton County Residency:
- Driver’s license
- State issued ID card
- Official mail
- Electric/utility bill
- Consulate card
Since this expansion takes effect immediately, any Hamilton County resident age 16 or older may begin scheduling first dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments online or via their telephone hotline at (423) 209-5398. Any caller receiving a busy signal is encouraged to hang up and call the hotline again as call volume is expected to be heavy.
For assistance with scheduling online appointments, please review the Hamilton County Health Department’s YouTube tutorial.
The Hamilton County Health Department is not the only entity providing COVID-19 vaccines. Visit the Vaccine Finder and enter your zip code for a full list of providers and pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine.
Additional Resources
The Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability Can Help Seniors Get to COVID-19 Vaccination Location
Older adults needing transportation can receive help through the TN Commission on Aging & Disability. Visit their website for resources by county.
If you have questions, please contact Isiah or another member of the Estate Planning team.
The material in this publication was created as of the date set forth above and is based on laws, court decisions, administrative rulings, and congressional materials that existed at that time, and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions on specific facts. In some cases, the underlying legal information is changing quickly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The information in this publication is not intended to create, and the transmission and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Please contact your legal counsel for advice regarding specific situations.