70+ Vaccinations Begin Tuesday

Residents 70 and over can begin registering for COVID vaccinations Tuesday.

The State Health Department’s allocation of COVID vaccines increased last week and is expected to rise again this week. The federal government controls the disbursement of the two vaccines.

Putnam County residents 70 and over can register at the Putnam County TN Dot Gov website. County Mayor Randy Porter said it will likely be next week before those 70 and over begin receiving a vaccine. Porter said the county, which has had stronger interest in the vaccine than many other counties in the state, should finish the 75 and over group this week.

In other Upper Cumberland counties, you can call the Health Department to begin registering for vaccines Tuesday. The State Department of Health urges patience as call volumes are expected to increase.

Warren and White Counties began vaccinating those 70 and over last week. As counties finish groups, they can move on to the next phase.

People aged 70 to 74 have a 70 percent higher rate of death, according to the State Department of Health, compared with those 65-69. The length of time to vaccinate this age group will depend on whether vaccine supplies continue to increase, state health officials said.

Putnam County residents 70 and over set to register Tuesday need a cell phone number so that the county can communicate via text. Porter said family members should assist in those situations where a cell phone is not present. If you have questions about vaccinations, please call the County Information Line at 646-4636 (INFO). Porter said that line is manned 8am-4:30pm each day, allowing health department personnel to continue vaccination work.

Porter also reminded residents they cannot show up for a vaccination without registration.

“You will be turned away,” Porter said.

Just like with testing, state health officials have said you do not have to be vaccinated in your home county.