CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – It might appear as though Montgomery County is still falling well behind the state on getting folks vaccinated against COVID-19, but if the military community and the federal retail pharmacies are taken into account, that number is actually well over 100,000 vaccines.

In Montgomery County, it appears as though 77,737 COVID-19 vaccines have been reported as of May 3 through the Tennessee Department of Health. This data shows that 21.59% of the population has received at least one dose, and 15.61% are fully vaccinated.

However, Montgomery County Health Director Joey Smith said the state’s data does not account for those who received a vaccine through the Fort Campbell’s Blanchfield Army Community Hospital.

It also doesn’t account for the VA’s Tennessee Valley Healthcare system, or the pharmacies receiving federal vaccines like Walmart, Kroger and Walgreens.

According to Laura Boyd, the public affairs officer at BACH, the hospital has administered approximately 38,600 COVID-19 vaccines in total, and plans to continue offering the vaccine to all TRICARE beneficiaries ages 16 and older.

By this account, the additional vaccines from BACH puts Montgomery County well over 100,000 vaccines administered if we consider the vaccines also administered through the federal program.

“As our community works toward herd immunity, by getting vaccinated each person plays an important role in disrupting the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. By getting vaccinated we are making an action statement, that COVID-19 stops when it gets to me,” Smith said.

Active cases of COVID-19 have been declining steadily since April 24.

COVID-19 numbers

Here are the Montgomery County numbers updated on the county’s dashboard for Monday, May 3:

  • 20,110 total confirmed cases since March 8, 2020
  • 449 active cases
  • 304 total hospitalizations
  • 225 total deaths
  • 121,241 total negative lab results

Here are the CMCSS numbers last updated on April 30, according to their dashboard:

  • 36 active student cases
  • 271 students in quarantine
  • 116 students excluded
  • No data on COVID-related student absences
  • 10 active employee cases
  • 2 employees excluded
  • 1 employees in quarantine
  • No data on COVID-related employee absences

Here are the Austin Peay State University numbers last updated on May 2, according to their dashboard:

  • 4 students with confirmed cases
  • 11 students in quarantine
  • 8 staff and faculty members with confirmed cases
  • 12 staff and faculty members in quarantine

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Health Department: To register for a vaccination appointment online through the county health department, visit https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-phases/. Click Montgomery County on the map, click “Make an Appointment” to register, then enter the name and contact information to be notified of the appointment date, time and location as soon as the vaccine becomes available.

Individuals who do not have access to the internet should call 866-442-5301 to make an appointment.

Fort Campbell: Blanchfield Army Community Hospital has opened COVID-19 vaccination to all TRICARE Prime beneficiaries age 16 and older. Beneficiaries may schedule appointments through a link on the hospital’s webpage at blanchfield.tricare.mil.

Appointments are required, and only those who are scheduled to receive the vaccine may enter. One escort may be authorized for those requiring additional assistance. Child care may be available through the Fort Campbell Family Child Care program for parents with young children.

All other pharmacies and clinics: Visit Clarksville Now’s updated list of all the locations offering the vaccine to the public in Montgomery County, and how to register at each location.

How to get a COVID-19 test

Free COVID-19 testing by the Montgomery County Health Department has moved back to the Health Department office at 350 Pageant Lane. Individuals who do not have health insurance can schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing by calling 931-648-5787. Tests are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Montgomery County residents 18 or older may pick up a self-administered test at no cost Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. You must have a smartphone to pick up a self-administered test. The COVID-19 tests are available in many other locations and can be found on this website.

Three Walgreens locations in Clarksville offer self-administered, drive-thru COVID-19 tests. The location at 2109 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. offers the Rapid Diagnostic COVID-19 test, and the locations at 1954 Madison Street and 1460 Fort Campbell Blvd. offer the PCR Diagnostic Test. To make an appointment at Walgreens, visit their website.