Now that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway, officials are looking for ways to get the vaccine out to the public as efficiently as possible. Tennessee officials are looking to create mass vaccination sites.
As long as the state’s vaccine supply allows it, or if it is increased, the state looks to turn Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, and Dollywood into one of these sites. Walmart may also be one of those sites due to its prevalence throughout the state, especially in rural communities.
While the nearly 70,000 seat capacity stadium and ever abundant supermarket seem like sensible locations, Dollywood’s consideration may have to do with Dolly Parton’s contribution to finding a COVID vaccine, as well as its location in the state.
According to one official, Tennessee will begin vaccinations at pharmacies, like Walmart, beginning next month. They look to prioritize vulnerable counties first.
“It’s important to have them in areas where vulnerable people already go and are comfortable going. They might not be comfortable, for whatever reason, going to the health department, but they are already at Walmart,” Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey states, according to the Tennessean.
Details for the sites are still not yet concrete.
Story via Brett Kelman with the Tennessean