NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Hundreds of older Nashvillians were the first to be vaccinated Saturday as Davidson County entered phase 1a2 of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.
For 85-year-old James Graham, it was a day he’s been waiting for.
“I feel great, I do,” he said.
Nashville residents ages 75 and older received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
"I was excited to get it. I never thought I’d be excited to get a shot," said Jean Pippin, who was one of the 565 vaccinated this weekend.
For many, it was their first outing in months.
“It’s been lonesome yeah, [I'll] be glad when it’s over,” said Carole Blackwell. She believes the vaccine means one step closer to normality. “I have a grandson who’s getting married in March in California so I wanted to go ahead and get this as soon as I could so that I might be able to go out to the wedding.”
Metro Public Health Department received 4,800 Pfizer vaccines to be distributed by appointment only.
“They come in, they’re going to be asked a few questions, they’re going to get their temperature taken, and then confirm their information, they get the shot and really the longest time that they’re going to spend here will be when they have to sit for 15 minutes to make sure they’re not going to have any kind of reaction to the shot,” said the department's spokesperson, Brian Todd.
All time slots for January appointments filled up almost 24 hours after they opened on Thursday, but officials say a wait-list is available.
“I was amazed. This was like walking into a well-oiled machine,” said Carole Kenner.
Although it’s unknown when more vaccines will arrive, patients on Saturday said it’s worth the wait.
“If you’re at all anxious or apprehensive this vaccine is so much better than dying from COVID,” said Kenner.
The vaccine is administered by appointment only on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information visit the Metro Public Health Department website here.
