Star Staff Reports
On Dec. 31, the historic COVID-19 vaccine made it’s way to the Memphis area and distribution to the first grouip started.
Shelby Count Health officials encourged those in the first group to sign up for an appointment before getting in line to get vaccinated.
Shelby County Health Department said COVID-19 vaccinations are available for first responders and others a part of the 1A1 group and people older than 75 years old who are part of the 1A2 group.
To reduce confusion, the Health Department said the key is everyone must sign up for an appointment first.
There are currently two vaccine distribution locations, one in Shelby County at Lindenwood Church on Union Avenue and at Shelby County Health Department building at 1826 Sycamore View Road.
Currently vaccines are available for first responders with direct public exposure including EMS, law enforcement, and fire fighters
Staff working at COVID-19 mass testing sites
Staff and residents of long-term care facilities, residential homes for the aged and staff and residents of assisted living centers who have direct contact with residents or contact with potentially infectious materials
Staff of other congregate care facilities such as homes for the intellectually or developmentally disabled, detention centers, Staff of Department of Children’s Services residential facilities, rehabilitation hospitals and psychiatric hospitals who have direct patient contact or contact with potentially infectious materials
Home health care staff with direct patient contact
Staff and residents of long-term care facilities, residential homes for the aged and staff and residents of assisted living centers who have direct contact with residents or contact with potentially infectious materials
Providers of K-12 or university student health services who have direct patient contact or contact with potentially infectious materials
Eligible participants are being contacted through their employer/facility and are required to sign up for an appointment online scheduling and must bring an employee badge or ID.
Once this phase has been completed, the Health Department and partnering agencies will begin the vaccination of the other groups, which include other health care workers who have direct patient exposure.
