CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Residents 16 and older can book appointments starting today for the COVID-19 vaccine in Montgomery County.
The Montgomery County Health Department, along with other health departments across Tennessee, has expanded its criteria to include 16 and up, according to a news release from county spokeswoman Michelle Newell.
The Moderna vaccine is authorized for people 18 and older and Pfizer for individuals 16 and older.
“This opens the door for more people to receive a vaccination earlier than expected. We are thrilled to move forward on this important initiative to help our community return to normal day-to-day activities,” said Montgomery County Health Director Joey Smith.
Numbers being revised
Smith also said today that data from the state that continues to show Montgomery trailing other counties in vaccination is now being updated to show that we’re on par.
“With the numbers now in from Fort Campbell, we know that at least 25% of our adult population has been vaccinated. This puts us on par with other Middle Tennessee counties. We can surmise that the numbers are even higher because the 25% does not include the number of vaccinations that have been given by local pharmacies through their partnership with the federal government.”
Residents are reminded to continue wearing a mask, social distancing and getting tested when exposed or sick.
“It is important to note that we have not had a single reported severe adverse effect from a COVID-19 vaccination in Montgomery County,” added Montgomery County Emergency Services Director Jimmie Edwards.
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.
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 is offered by the Montgomery County Health Department at the former Sears location at Governor’s Square Mall, located at 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Drive-thru testing is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and self-administered kits are now available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Follow the signs to the drive-up testing site.
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.