PARIS, TN – Transplant recipients, cancer patients and those with immunodeficiencies at greater risk of COVID-19 infection and serious illness can receive a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine during already scheduled vaccination events during August and September.

This expansion of eligibility follows the decision by the Food and Drug Administration to extend emergency use authorization (EUA) on vaccines to allow an additional dose, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Henry County Medical Center continues to advocate for COVID-19 vaccinations, especially with the uptick in cases in our community and region. And, with the announcement of the third dose now available to those with a compromised immune system, HCMC encourages anyone eligible to attend an upcoming vaccination clinic.

Those eligible for the third dose must meet the following moderately to severely immunocompromised criteria:

Solid organ transplant
Diagnosed with a condition or currently receiving medication therapy that is considered to an equivalent level of immunocompromise. Examples include:
- Active or recent treatment of solid tumor and hematologic malignancies
- Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
- Receipt of CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g. DiGeorge, Wiskott-Aldrich syndromes).
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection

Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e. >20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.

Those who meet the criteria, must also meet the following:

Provide proof of vaccination by bringing in their COVID-19 vaccine card (this is required).
It has been at least 28 days since the 2^nd dose was administered.

Third dose is recommended to be the same mRNA vaccine received for the first and second dose. For example, if you received Moderna for first and second dose, Moderna will be the vaccine you need for your third dose. The same applies for Pfizer. The newly expanded FDA EUA does not extend to individuals who received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine.

HCMC will be offering the following opportunities for first, second and third doses (to those who qualify):

Moderna vaccinations for 18 and over on Friday mornings in August and September from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in HCMC Classrooms 2 & 3.
Pfizer vaccinations for 12 and over on Friday afternoons in August and September from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in HCMC Classrooms 2 & 3.

Those wanting this vaccine are encouraged to make an appointment, but walk-ins will be available while supplies last.

Additionally, HCMC will be offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, August 21 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the HCMC Paris Pediatrics. This event is for anyone ages 12 and up and is in conjunction with funding received from the Delta Rural Health Network Development grant from HRSA. First and third doses (to those that qualify) will be available.

At this event, those who receive a vaccination will be given a $10 voucher for food to local restaurants as well as a free t-shirt. Snacks will be provided along with goodie bags at this event. On return for the second shot, all those participating will receive other goodies as well as be eligible for a mini iPad. Those wanting to attend this event are encouraged to make an appointment, but walk-ins will be available while supplies last.

Appointments can be secured by emailing Kelly Winston, Certified Healthcare Executive Assistant, at kwinston@hcmc-tn.org or you can call or text 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
Phone Number

Participants are expected to answer a few questions and remain onsite for up to 30 minutes of observation after receiving the vaccine. You must also bring a valid ID for Date of Birth identification to either event, and those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by guardian or parent. 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.

For questions, please go to our HCMC vaccination page https://www.hcmc-tn.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccinations/.

You can find clinics, pharmacies, and other locations in the area that are offering COVID-19 vaccines by going online at www.vaccinefinder.org. 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.

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.