UPDATE: As of 6:03 a.m., the Hamilton County Health Department has closed vaccines for the day (Jan. 6).
Demand for COVID-19 vaccines in Hamilton County outpaced supply again Tuesday, forcing some vaccine seekers to leave empty-handed despite a new alphabetical distribution strategy meant to shorten lines.
Only people in the eligible groups – which include health care workers, first responders and residents aged 75 or older – with last names starting with the letters A through K could receive the vaccine in Hamilton County on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, eligible people with last names starting with the letters L through Z can receive the vaccine between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m at the health department’s drive-thru distribution site at 4501 Amnicola Highway. However, the health department only has about 1,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine available to give – approximately the same amount as Tuesday – meaning it’s likely supplies will run out again before closing time.
Health department administrator Becky Barnes said via email that the department typically administers about 150-200 doses an hour depending on staffing and weather.