KNOXVILLE – Although some smaller counties are moving to the next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations, which includes teachers and childcare workers, Knox County isn’t because the county still has a significant number of people in its first phase who haven’t yet received the vaccine.

“Not only is Knox County’s population larger than our surrounding counties, but vaccine uptake in our community has been great so far – people want to get this vaccine,” said Senior Director and Public Health Officer Dr. Martha Buchanan. “We are thrilled by the response, but that means it will take time to get everyone vaccinated. We continue to ask for patience as we vaccinate people as quickly as we can.”

Knox County has more than 30,000 residents who are 75 and older.

On Thursday, KCHD received about 5,200 doses. Of those, 975 will be used to vaccinate individuals at the clinic on Jan. 22 (All appointments have already been filled). The rest will be used to provide second-round doses to those KCHD has already vaccinated. Additional vaccination opportunities will be announced as KCHD receives more vaccine.

These vaccines are in addition to thousands of others distributed in the community by local hospitals as well as those by pharmacies for long-term care facility employees and residents.

The State of Tennessee is among the most successful states in the country at quickly administering vaccine and Knox County is an active part of that.

“We will continue following the statewide plan and the guidance they’ve set for vaccinating priority groups,” said Dr. Buchanan. “If changes are made at the statewide level to add additional groups to the priority phases, then we will incorporate them here.”

Knox County is currently in Phase 1a which includes healthcare workers, first responders and those 75 and older. The next phase – 1b – includes school and childcare staff, first responder administrative teams, and those in other age groups.

To find out if you are eligible to receive the vaccine, visit the vaccine eligibility quiz.

KCHD COVID-19 vaccine information can be found here.

For more information on the Knox County Health Department, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health.