EXPAND MEDICAID IN TENNESSEE

INDEPENDENCE

VACCINE RESOURCES

STAY PROTECTED: The Latest COVID-19 Vaccination Information & Resources in Tennessee

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm with its unprecedented impact. Tennessee, like many states in the US, rolled out COVID-19 vaccination programs that offer a path to a post-pandemic future. According to the latest data from the Tennessee Department of Health, over 1.4 million people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, many Tennesseans still have concerns about vaccine safety, and others remain unsure about where and how to access testing and treatment. There is also a growing concern that not everyone has equal access to the vaccine. Vaccine equity is not just about ensuring that everyone has access to the vaccine but also addressing the underlying factors that contribute to disparities in healthcare. These factors include lack of transportation, inadequate healthcare facilities, and language barriers.

There is still much work to be done in ensuring that all Tennesseans have equitable access to the vaccine.

This includes addressing the entrenched systemic issues that have contributed to longstanding health inequities in the state. As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, TJC remains committed to our mission, to advocate for improved health equity and access for all Tennesseans. By working together and ensuring that everyone has equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine, we can emerge from this pandemic stronger and more united than ever before.

According to the new FDA guidance, people who have had only one monovalent vaccine who have not received a dose of the bivalent may receive a single dose of the bivalent vaccine.

Tennessee Immunization Program, Program Manager: 
Caitlin Newhouse | Program phone number 615-741-724| Immunization Program (tn.gov)
COVID-19 vaccination guidance for people who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised -  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#covid-vaccines
Here's a list of vaccination statuses from the FDA and how to proceed with them - https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccines
CDC’s info on vaccine timing (scroll down to “Preparing for Your Vaccine”) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
CDC Guidance on Vaccination and COVID Infection:  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/faq.html
- For people who had prior infection: Offer vaccination regardless of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, including to people with prolonged post-COVID-19 symptoms and people who experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection (symptomatic or asymptomatic) after vaccination. People who recently had SARS-CoV-2 infection may consider delaying their booster COVID-19 vaccine dose by 3 months from symptom onset or positive test (if infection was asymptomatic).

Free Home Vaccine Test Kits - COVID Home Tests | USPS
CDC Digital Media Toolkit: 2022-2023 Flu Season | CDC

These short, factual messages are about the COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years old.

Young children can become very sick from COVID-19. They can spread the virus.
- COVID-19 can make children very sick. It can potentially result in hospitalization, long-term health complications, or even death. Tens of thousands of children and teens with COVID-19 have had to be hospitalized, and long COVID does occur among kids.
- Children can also spread the virus to other people, including older family members.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect children from getting very sick from the virus.
- The vaccine also helps protect young children who are unable to wear masks or social distance.
- Vaccinating children also helps protect loved ones at risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
Being vaccinated helps keep children from getting very sick from COVID-19.
- Just like adults, children who are vaccinated may still get COVID, but being vaccinated matters. It helps prevent them from getting very sick.
Children should still get vaccinated, even if they have already had COVID-19.
- People who are fully vaccinated have better protection than people who have only been infected with COVID-19.
- If your child has had COVID, they can get vaccinated as soon as they are recovered from illness and their isolation period has ended.
You should still vaccinate your child even if you were vaccinated during pregnancy or if you were vaccinated when you breastfed them.  
- While antibodies can be passed on during pregnancy and breastfeeding, protection may lessen over time.
Clinical trials have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.
- Vaccine safety was studied in over 10,000 children ages 6 months to 5 years. Some children had mild side effects like tiredness or fever, but this did not last long and all of them got better quickly.
- The COVID-19 vaccine for children is a type of vaccine called an mRNA vaccine, which has been studied in animal and human trials for years, without long-term effects.
All COVID vaccines have undergone rigorous review before being authorized for specific age groups, including the vaccine for younger kids.
- Side effects for the vaccine are usually mild and temporary.
- Some children might experience mild side effects like fatigue, headaches, or fever, much like other vaccines. These are signs that the body is building protection against COVID.
The COVID-19 vaccine is effective for children.
- Clinical trials proved that the pediatric vaccine is an effective way to prevent COVID infection and serious illness in young children.
- Clinical trials showed that the vaccine for younger children is effective in reducing the rate of infection and in creating levels of similar levels of immunity in kids as in teens and adults.
Children can be vaccinated by their health care provider or at health centers and other locations offering vaccination for young children.
- If possible, contact your child’s health care provider to schedule an appointment.
- If your child does not have a health care provider, use Immunization Program (tn.gov) to find an appointment at a pharmacy, health center, or other location that vaccinates young children.

- Vaccines for Children Program offers federally funded vaccines for children from birth until they are 18. There is an administration fee of $20 but sliding scales are available based on income.
- In order to be eligible, you must meet fall under one of these categories: TennCare recipient, uninsured, underinsured, and American Indian or Alaska Native.
- Contact your local health department or ask your provider if they participate in Vaccines for Children Program
- If you have TennCare, CHIP, or Medicare Part D you can receive ACIP recommended vaccines at no extra cost. The list of vaccines covered can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/index.html
- Your household can receive up to 4 COVID-19 rapid tests. Follow the links or call the number below to get your COVID-19 rapid tests shipped for free:
  - Online Link: COVID Home Tests | USPS
- Accessible COVID-19 Rapid Tests for Blind or Low Vision Individuals: https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible
  - Call: 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
- If you are uninsured and have been exposed to COVID-19 or are symptomatic you can search for no-cost COVID-19 test sites here: No-Cost COVID-19 Testing (cdc.gov)
- The Bridge Access Program serves as a temporary bridge to provide access to free COVID-19 vaccines for underinsured and uninsured adults. You can reach out to these trusted providers who are a part of the Bridge Access Program:
  - Local Health Departments
  - Walgreens and CVS
  - Nashville Health Centers:
    - Neighborhood Health’s Downtown Clinic (526 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN)
    - Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center
    - Connectus Health (601 Benton Ave, Nashville, TN 37204)
  - Memphis Health Centers:
    - Tri State Health Center
    - Memphis Health Center, Inc
    - Christ Community Health Services
  - Chattanooga Health Center:
    - Erlanger Community Health Center (1200 Dodson Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37406)
  - Murfreesboro Health Centers
    - Rutherford Primary Hope Clinic
  - Knoxville Health Center:
    - Cherokee Health Systems
  - Benton Health Center:
    - Ocoee Regional Health
  - Bolivar Health Center:
    - Hardeman County Community Health Center
  - Columbia Health Center:
    - Maury Regional Health
  - Franklin Health Center:
    - Mercy Health Services, Inc.
  - Huntsville Health Center:
    - Mountain People’s Health Councils
  - Jellico Health Centers:
    - Day Spring Health
  - Johnson City Health Center:
    - Eastern Tennessee State University Vaccine Clinics
  - Lafollette Health Center:
    - Community Health of East Tennessee
  - Linden Health Center:
    - Perry County Medical Center
  - Newport Health Center:
    - Rural Medical Services
  - Rogersville Health Center:
    - Rural Health Services
  - Savannah Health Center:
    - Harding County Regional Health Center
  - Tiptonville Health Center:
    - Lake County Primary Care
  - Vonore Health Center:
    - Chota Community Health Services
  - Westmoreland Health Center:
    - Hope Family Health

EXPAND MEDICAID IN TENNESSEE

EXPAND MEDICAID IN TENNESSEE

EXPAND MEDICAID IN TENNESSEE

INDEPENDENCE

INDEPENDENCE

INDEPENDENCE

VACCINE RESOURCES

STAY PROTECTED: The Latest COVID-19 Vaccination Information & Resources in Tennessee

There is still much work to be done in ensuring that all Tennesseans have equitable access to the vaccine.

According to the new FDA guidance, people who have had only one monovalent vaccine who have not received a dose of the bivalent may receive a single dose of the bivalent vaccine.

STAY IN THE KNOW!