Hamilton County will begin Pfizer booster appointments next week

Sep. 24—The Hamilton County Health Department will begin on Monday to administer Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to people vaccinated more than six months ago and those whose age, occupation or health status warrant it.

According to a release by the department, Pfizer boosters will be administered by appointment starting next week.

"The health department will begin rolling out Pfizer booster shots by appointment only," interim administrator Sabrina Novak said in the release. "The health department strives to be proactive in modifying plans as necessary, and we will continue to do so with booster shots. Eligibility criteria, as well as our process, is likely to change over time so please continue to monitor our website and social media for any further updates and guidance."

Hamilton County is following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, allowing certain individuals to receive a Pfizer booster shot, including those who completed their two-dose Pfizer series at least six months ago, and:

— Individuals 65 years of age and older.

— Long-term care facility residents age 18 years and older.

— Individuals 50-64 years of age with underlying medical conditions that place them at high risk of severe COVID-19 if infected.

— Individuals 18-64 who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.

— Individuals 18-49 with underlying medical conditions that place them at high risk of severe COVID-19 if infected and who perceive the benefit greater than the risk to themselves in receiving the booster dose or were directed by their health care provider to receive a booster dose.

Occupations that are eligible include "health care worker, teacher, first responder, grocery store worker, worker or resident in a congregate setting and other occupations that deal directly with the public," according to the release.

People with weakened immune systems, autoimmune diseases and other conditions are considered high risk according to the CDC. More information on included conditions can be found at cdc.gov/coronavirus/.

According to the health department, the CDC has not approved a booster shot for Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines at this time.

"As this is a quickly evolving situation, the health department will notify residents when a booster shot for these manufacturers becomes available," the release said.

To make a Pfizer COVID-19 booster appointment at the Tennessee Riverpark:

— Visit vaccine.hamiltontn.gov and click on the "Booster Appointment" tab.

— Call 423-209-5398 (English) or 423-209-8383 (Spanish).

Residents can expedite their appointments by completing the booster encounter form under the "Handouts" tab on the website ahead of their appointment.

The health department requests recipients bring their vaccine record cards to the appointment. If you lost your card, Health Department staff can access electronic records at the vaccination site.

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