LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — First responders in Wilson County were able to get COVID-19 vaccines in a drive-thru at a local church.
Captain Tyler Chandler said Mt. Juliet officers were able to sign up for a drive-thru appointment that works for them. "Some officers told me they’ve never been so excited to get the shot," Chandler said, "It truly is a step so we can get past this, and beat COVID-19."
In addition, firefighters, dispatchers, and other first responders were able to get their first dose of the vaccine at College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon. Chesaney Leach said, "I’m very relieved, during pregnancy I was terrified, just because I was working in the hospital and knowing that we didn’t know much about pregnancy and COVID-19, and so being able to get that and do something for both my daughters is astronomically beneficial."
She said when her dad was in the hospital, it was hard not being able to see him due to visitors restrictions. "And he recently passed, and so being able to get this vaccine is important because families aren’t able to be there with their loved ones," Leach said.
The drive-thru clinic will be operational for several more days. It comes at a time when Captain Chandler said community spread has impacted their police department so the headquarters is closed. "If we had a greater outbreak, our whole staff could be quarantined, and that’s something we definitely want to avoid," Chandler said.
First responders will have to come back for their second dose of Moderna's vaccine in coming weeks. "Hopefully we’ll be over this very soon," Chandler said.
In Tennessee's next phase, other healthcare workers with direct patient contact will have the opportunity to get vaccinated. People over 65-years-old get priority according to the Tennessee Department of Health’s website.
