Cutline – Pictured is Paula Bell, Pharmacy Director, and Rhonda Compton, Volunteer, at the HCMC Community Vaccination POD held Tuesday, January 5. Because of the outstanding community turnout, all allocated vaccines were given out in 5 hours, causing HCMC to cancel the vaccination POD for the rest of the week.

PARIS, TN – Henry County Medical Center vaccinated 2.5 people per minute over a 5 hour period on its first day of the Community Vaccination POD located at the HCHC Plumley Rehab Center’s Parking Lot. With approximately 30 volunteers and staff, 765 vaccines were given to Henry County residents thanks to the efficiency of the team. This depleted our community allocation causing HCMC to cancel the rest of the week’s Community Vaccination POD.

“Thank you to all Henry Countians for showing up today,” said Lisa Casteel, Chief Executive Officer at HCMC. “Seeing the vaccination line when I pulled into work this morning was absolutely beautiful, as our own Dr. Amanda Finley stated several times. So many came and with the efficiency of the two lines, we were able to utilize all our vaccine in one day to make a significant impact in the vaccination efforts in Henry County.”

At best, HCMC Pharmacy Director Paula Bell believed that we would be able to do 400 vaccinations during the event today. Yet, because of our streamlined approach and the demand of those in our community wanting the vaccine, we almost doubled that at 765 vaccines.

“Our decision was to vaccinate until our supplies were depleted since we were able to get people vaccinated so quickly and because we had the volume, volunteers, and staff to accomplish it,” said Casteel. “The goal is to vaccinate, and we did that today thanks to the efforts of so many including those attending who want to keep their neighbors and families safe.”

The first person in line to be vaccinated at the Drive Thru event arrived at 1:30 a.m. this morning. At one point, the vaccination line was all the way to Wal-Mart on Mineral Wells. Yet, the lines moved quickly once the vaccination began, and we were extremely excited to see so many want to protect themselves and others.

Those who received their vaccination today will need to return on Tuesday, January 26 to have their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Reminders and a schedule we be mailed out and available on our website and social media sites. Those who received the first dose today will be the only ones to be vaccinated with the second dose on January 26.

At this time, we do not know when we will receive another shipment of vaccines for those needing the initial dose, but when we do receive them, we will update the community and schedule another vaccination POD for the community to attend. The Henry County Health Department is still taking appointments for vaccine and can be contacted for more information.

“We continue to stress that the community observe safety protocols such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and practicing social distancing,” Casteel said. “This will need to continue after receiving the vaccination until full immunity is in effect.”

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 only 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 seeing great results for patients in our community who meet criteria.

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.

HCMC hosted a Facebook Live news conference today at 3 p.m. following the vaccination POD, which ended around 2 p.m. today. The FB Live can be accessed here: https://fb.watch/2QILTBxizC/

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.