NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee's allotment of the first round of Pfizer's COVD-19 vaccine is expected to arrive at hospitals across the state on Thursday.
The Tennessee Department of Health said the state received its first shipment of 56,550 doses of the vaccine on Monday morning and they will be shipped on Wednesday for a Thursday delivery to 28 sites covering 74 hospitals in the state.
TDH expects a second shipment of 56,550 doses of the vaccine in about three weeks. Pfizer's vaccine requires a second dose about three weeks after the first.
"We have been preparing for months to distribute approved vaccines and we believe this will be a safe and effective tool in the fight against COVID-19," said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey. "Our initial supplies of this vaccine are limited, but we are in constant contact with hospitals to prepare administration for our front-line health care workers and long-term care facility residents and staff who choose to receive it."
Tennessee also obtained an early shipment of 975 doses which will be held as an emergency backup supply in the case hospital's supply is damaged.
Front-line health care workers will be the first in line to receive the vaccine. The general public can expect to have access by late spring or early summer.
