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Southeast Tennessee expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all adults age 16 and older

Staff photo by Troy Stolt / Doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are seen inside of the pharmacy station at the Hamilton County Health Department's new COVID Vaccination POD at the CARTA Bus Terminal on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / Doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are seen inside of the pharmacy station at the Hamilton County Health Department's new COVID Vaccination POD at the CARTA Bus Terminal on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Staff photo by Troy Stolt / Doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are seen inside of the pharmacy station at the Hamilton County Health Department's new COVID Vaccination POD at the CARTA Bus Terminal on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Ten counties in Southeast Tennessee are opening eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines to everyone age 16 and older.

Bledsoe, Bradley, Franklin, Grundy, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie counties are expanding their eligibility guidelines and extending hours to increase vaccination rates, according to a statement from the Tennessee Department of Health.

The counties are offering vaccinations by appointment only and people can register at bit.ly/tn-shots or by calling their local health department.

“We’re eager to offer these additional opportunities for people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations in a way that works more conveniently with their schedules,” said Glenn Czarnecki, Southeast Regional Director, in a statement. “The more people who choose to get their vaccinations, the sooner our community can return to normal day-to-day activities.”

Along with the expanded eligibility, local health departments are also increasing the hours they are offering shots during the week, according to the announcement.