Q: Is the Hamilton County Health Department starting an online appointment service for COVID vaccines, and when will it start distributing second doses?
A: The vaccine rollout across the country, and locally in our county, met many challenges. People had to wait many hours in line at the [local] vaccine site, and many had to be turned away once the supply of vaccines was finished.
In the subsequent days, every effort was made to better manage the number of people coming to the site as to avoid the congestion seen in the previous days. Despite these efforts, the waiting time was still significant.
* Appointments: This week, the health department started using an online appointment service that has helped significantly with the logistics of assuring a quick and smooth vaccine drive-thru experience. Additionally, a second vaccine site, the CARTA bus barn at 1617 Wilcox Blvd., has been added. Residents are encouraged to go to the health department website at vaccine.hamiltontn.gov for scheduled dates and locations.
The appointment process is simple: If criteria for the phase are met, residents can choose a date and time from the options provided. Remember to toggle between the date tabs to check for availability, and don't forget to hit the confirmation button when complete. Residents without access to the internet are encouraged to use Emergency Management's call center, 423-209-5399, to schedule an appointment. The days and time slots for vaccinations are dependent on vaccine supply.
* Second doses started this week. Anyone who got their first dose with the health department is guaranteed a second dose. When making your appointment with the online service or with the COVID call center, you will be asked which vaccine you received (Pfizer or Moderna) to assure your second dose is from the same manufacturer, as it is recommended you get the same brand as you got on the first dose.
Timing of the second dose also depends on which vaccine you got. The second Pfizer vaccine should be given 21 days (or later) after the first, while the Moderna vaccine should be given 28 days (or later). The information of which vaccine and the recommended date can be found on the card you were given when you got your first dose.
* First doses are also being scheduled this week. The appointment process is the same as for the second dose. Please remember that the health department is only doing phase 1a1 and 1a2 (details of these groups can be found on the health department website). Additionally, the age bracket group will continue to be 75 and older.
The health department will continue to follow recommendations from the state regarding when to start other phases and when the age bracket will change. The best way to stay up-to-date is to sign up at the health department website and visit our social media sites.
COVID vaccines will no doubt help us fight this pandemic. Getting everyone vaccinated, though, is going to be a gargantuan task. I am happy to have joined the health department to be part of this endeavor.
Fernando Urrego, M.D., is the interim health officer at the Hamilton County Health Department and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.
Dr. Fernando Urrego / Contributed photo