If you’re an adult in Shelby County, you will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, beginning Monday, March 22nd. The Tennessee Health Department announced today that the state’s counties would be free to vaccinate anyone, as long as there was an adequate supply of vaccines.
The state of Mississippi made a similar decision earlier this week, and many local residents had been traveling across the state line to get vaccinated. That will no longer be necessary.
The Tennessee Health Department’s decision was made directly in the wake of requests late this week from Shelby County and Memphis officials to lower or eliminate the age and occupational requirements set to qualify for a vaccine.
From the state’s health department’s announcement: “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 state health department stated that further details on its announcement would be provided on Monday.
In a tweet, County Mayor Lee Harris applauded the news and asked local residents to take advantage of the state’s decision: “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.”
