Cutline – Pictured is Paula Bell, Director of Pharmacy; Rhonda Compton, Volunteer; and Jeff Tucker, DME Director, at our last first dose Community COVID-19 Vaccination POD.

PARIS, TN – On Monday, February 8, Henry County Medical Center staff will be providing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to any Henry County resident 65 and older at a vaccination POD to be located at the Henry County Healthcare Center Plumley Rehab parking lot.

The vaccination POD will be open from 9 a.m. until we distribute all the vaccine. This is a significantly smaller shipment of vaccine than we received previously, so supply will be limited. It will be available to those 70 and older as well as healthcare workers, first responders, and anyone meeting the phase 1a1, 1a2, and 1b requirements on a first come, first served basis. Those seeking to be vaccinated are asked to fill out the consent form that is available on our website at www.hcmc-tn.org as well as other local media outlets, including a printed copy that will be featured in the Paris Post Intelligencer on Friday, February 5. If you do not have the form, forms will be provided at the event. It is also recommended that you bring a book or clipboard to write on if you don’t have the form already completed.

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. 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.

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 28 days after receiving the first one. This date is March 8 at 9 a.m. We will have postcards with return information to provide those vaccinated at the COVID-19 Community POD.

“We encourage anyone who meets criteria to help protect themselves, their families, and their loved ones by getting the vaccine on Monday,” said Lisa Casteel, CEO. “Anyone receiving the vaccine will need to return 28 days later for the second dose so that they have the full immunity.”

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.

“We continue observing safety protocols such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and practicing social distancing,” she said.

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.

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.