City, health officials announce vaccinations for teachers, staff beginning Feb. 20

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville Mayor John Cooper, Doctor Alex Jahangir and Doctor Adrienne Battle announced the beginning of teachers and childcare staff COVID-19 vaccinations in Davidson County.

Davidson County will be moving into Phase 1B of the State’s COVID vaccine plan that includes schools, those 70 years of age and older. Teachers and staff will be able to schedule their vaccinations beginning Thursday, Feb. 11. and the vaccinations will begin Feb. 20.

“Vaccinating teachers and staff of our K-12 schools, daycares and pre-schools has been a top priority as we plan the rollout of the vaccine. I am grateful to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and TriStar Health for once again partnering with the city in our COVID-19 response, and supporting our efforts this time by providing vaccinations to this critical group,” said Dr. Jahangir.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center will distribute the vaccinations to teachers and staff at Metro Nashville Public Schools and charter schools. HCA TriStar health will distribute the vaccine to teachers and staff at Davidson County private schools and daycares.

“The vaccine is another important step to keep schools safe,” said Mayor John Cooper. “I’m grateful to Metro Public Health for efficiently rolling out the vaccine to help avoid the long lines and wait times we’ve seen in other cities. With the help of our hospital partners, we will continue providing a courteous and efficient vaccination process for our teachers.”

Metro Nashville Public Schools hosted Monday's announcement at its Employee Wellness Center. Mayor Cooper and Dr. Jahangir, who is the Nashville Board of Health Chair, announced the city's move to phase 1b: those 70 years of age or older and teachers and childcare workers.

During Metro’s COVID-19 update on Thursday, Mayor Cooper said vaccinations for teachers would begin “as soon as possible,” but the timing as to when that could happen all depends on the city’s vaccine supply. He said public health officials are working with local hospitals and health partners to ensure a “fast and efficient vaccination process.”

Dr. Battle thanked the mayor and city leaders for their efforts during Monday's announcement, "Let me be clear, our team at MNPS can celebrate how our local leaders are stepping up to prioritize education and I am very thankful to Mayor Cooper, Dr. Jahangir and Dr. Gill Wright to partner with us and prioritize our staff."

Last week, Metro Schools began its phase-in return to in-person learning.