Move represents next phase COVID-19 of response
The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is bringing its COVID-19 vaccination program back to its main location, 140 Dameron Ave., effective June 28. Community members interested in receiving the free vaccine may make appointments by calling the Travel and Immunizations Clinic 865-215-5070 or the COVID-19 Phonebank 865-215-5555. KCHD will still accept walk-ins on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its main location.
“This is an important and exciting time in the COVID-19 response as the local situation continues to improve,” said KCHD Clinical Services Director Dena Mashburn. “Incorporating COVID-19 vaccine into our standard clinical operations not only represents a new phase in the response, it also characterizes the long-term direction of how communities will integrate COVID-19 into the standard health care delivery system, especially as we advance toward the recovery phase.”
At its main location, KCHD will be able to maintain the current volume of vaccine administered at the Broadway site. In addition to offering vaccine at its main clinics, KCHD has developed go-teams who will hold special vaccination clinics in the community. The teams will target areas and populations with less access and greater need.
“While we wish we could achieve higher vaccination rates quicker, the slowing demand is not unexpected,” added Mashburn. “My hope is that as more providers incorporate COVID-19 vaccination into their standard operating procedures, more will continue to get vaccinated. This would represent albeit slower but steady progress nonetheless.”
KCHD continues to recommend all those 12 and over receive a COVID-19 vaccine, which is widely available in the community. If anyone has questions or concerns, KCHD urges them to be wary of online information and instead speak to a health care provider, so they can make an informed decision.