KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Knox County just hit another big milestone with more than 100,000 people, who have received the COVID-19 vaccine in the county.
According to a release from Knox County, this includes people who have received both first and second doses.
"More than 100,000 vaccines have been administered in Knox County. We still have a ways to go, but we are encouraged and this is likely why we are seeing a lower disease burden. Our efforts are working," KCHD Director Dr. Martha Buchanan said.
Knox County is currently leading the big four metro counties in our area, in the percentage of people being vaccinated with both doses.
“I am incredibly impressed at the speed with which we have been able to administer this many vaccinations in our community,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. “We have a ways to go, but hopefully we are well on our way to moving beyond COVID-19.”
Buchanan said demand for the vaccine continues to outpace supply. Currently, there are more than 22,000 people on KCHD's vaccine wait list.
KCHD is planning to rent out more space to add another vaccination site. Buchanan said she anticipates KCHD will be able to host clinics at a vacant Food City at 4216 North Broadway by March 12.
The Knox County Health Department said hospitalizations and new, daily COVID-19 cases continue to trend down.
“With each day, more people in Knox County are able to receive this much-desired protection against COVID-19,” Buchanan said. “This encouraging milestone wouldn’t be possible without the strong partnerships between KCHD, our regional hospital systems, and many other health care providers across our community.”
County officials want to remain the community to continue to follow the Five Core Actions: wearing a mask, maintaining at least six feet of distance from those outside your household, washing hands regularly, sanitizing surfaces, and staying home if you are sick, regardless of your vaccination status.
To find out if you are eligible for the vaccine click here. You can also find information on how to sign up on the county's waitlist here if you are eligible.
The county encourages people to look for vaccination opportunities at healthcare providers across the county.
You can use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Finder webpage, and put in your zip code to find of list of vaccine providers.
