Henry County Medical Center Will Be Offering Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine on May 8 with Preference Given to 16 & 17 Year Olds

PARIS, TN – Henry County Medical Center is proud to continue to be a COVID-19 vaccination provider to our community, working with the State of TN and the Henry County Health Department to vaccinate our community.  The State of TN is now open to anyone who wants to have a COVID-19 vaccine.

Due to the need, HCMC will be offering the Pfizer vaccine with preference given to 16 and 17 years of age in our region.  Pfizer is the only vaccine that is approved for those 16 and older.  Those interested in the Pfizer vaccine are required to sign up by Sunday, April 25 by 4:30 p.m.

The Pfizer vaccine will be offered the following dates at Henry County Healthcare Center Plumley Rehab Parking Lot:

  • First Dose – Saturday, May 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Second Dose – Saturday, May 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mandatory sign ups can be secured by emailing Kelly Winston, Certified Healthcare Executive Assistant, at kwinston@hcmc-tn.org or you can call 731-363-3307 or 731-336-6155.  Phone calls for sign-ups will be taken daily between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  The following information must be provided when signing up:

  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Age as of May 8, 2021
  • Parent or Legal Guardian’s Name:
  • Phone Number of Parent if a Minor or Participant’s Number

For minors, a valid photo ID and a parent or guardian must accompany and remain present with the minor to receive the vaccination.  If they are 18 or older, a parent or guardian is not required to accompany them.

The event is a Drive Thru event and participants are asked to enter the North Entrance to Hospital Circle from Tyson Avenue (this is the entrance closest to the Emergency Department Entrance).  Participants will not be able to access the vaccine POD from the South Entrance.

Participants are expected to answer a few questions as well as remain on our HCHC Plumley Rehab Parking Lot for up to 30 minutes of observation after receiving the vaccine.  If you have had COVID-19 within the last 60 days, you will not be eligible for the vaccination.  Also, if you have reactions to shots or have allergies, you should consult your primary care provider before proceeding to have the vaccination.  And, anyone receiving a vaccination during the community vaccination POD will need to complete the vaccination process by receiving the second dose at the same location 21 days after receiving the first one.

For questions, please go to our HCMC vaccination page https://www.hcmc-tn.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccinations/ and watch the guided POD process video as well as the video on FAQs.

“Henry County Medical Center is excited to offer this opportunity with the Pfizer vaccine for our community,” said Paula Bell, PharmD, BCPS, Director of Pharmacy.  “We will give preference to 16 and 17 years old during the sign-up process, but encourage anyone 18 and over that would like to receive the Pfizer vaccine to sign-up as well.  Our goal is herd immunity for our community and collaboration with all vaccine providers in our community is helping us get closer to that percentage every day.”

You may also register online with the Henry County Health Department at Covid19.tn.org or Wal-Mart to receive your vaccine.  You may also call the state’s vaccine request line at 1-866-442-5301.

There are usually mild to moderate side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common side effect caused by the vaccine includes pain at the site where the vaccine was given, which is in the arm. Other side effects may include a headache, fever, chills or muscle aches.  Anyone receiving the vaccine needs to utilize the v-safe system as well as report any adverse reactions to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at https://vaers.hhs.gov as well as HCMC Infection Control at 731-644-8260 during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, report to your primary care provider or the Emergency Department.

HCMC continues to offer COVID-19 testing with a provider’s orders.  Additionally, the Henry County Health Department continues to provide free COVID testing with new self-tests provided on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by appointment. Regular nose swab tests will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. by appointment only.

HCMC Outpatient Infusion is offering by physician order, monoclonal antibody therapy, bamlanivimab as well casirivimab/imdevimab, for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults with positive COVID-19 test results who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.  These treatments are demonstrating great results for patients in our community.

How you can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as Coronavirus:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard in a trash.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider.  To learn more, go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org or go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region.  Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 8 provider clinics in various specialties.  Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.