Helpful information about the COVID-19 Vaccine.
State and local health departments determine how vaccines are distributed. CHI Memorial is participating in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines according to the Tennessee Department of Health and the Georgia Department of Public Health guidelines for distribution. For more information about when or where you may be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Hamilton County Health Department, Catoosa County Health Department, Dade County Health Department or Walker County Health Department.
In keeping with CHI Memorial’s mission of improving the health of those it serves and especially those who are vulnerable, and our commitment to providing safe care for patients and a safe work environment for clinicians and staff, CHI Memorial is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1, 2021. This requirement also includes all physicians, advanced practice providers, volunteers, and others caring for patients within our facility.
As health care providers we have a responsibility to help end this pandemic and protect our patients, our colleagues, and those in our communities. Requiring vaccination for our teams is critical to maintaining a safe care environment. Medical and religious exemptions will be available for those who qualify.
Throughout the pandemic, CHI Memorial has implemented a broad range of safety measures to be able to continue providing essential health care services to everyone in our communities, including those battling life-threatening COVID-19 infections. Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again due to the threat of variants, and many communities continue to have low vaccination rates. Our decision to require the COVID-19 vaccination for our teams is rooted in a commitment to keeping our community safe -- and bringing an end to this pandemic as quickly as possible.
By requiring the COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, just as we do with the flu (influenza) vaccine, CHI Memorial joins health systems and associations across the country in supporting vaccination for health care workers in an effort to continue protecting our patients, staff, and communities from this dangerous disease.
Vaccines to protect against COVID-19 are available now. The FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer Moderna, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. Distribution of vaccines is determined by Tennessee Department of Health and the Georgia Department of Public Health and CHI Memorial is participating in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines according to that distribution plan.
At CHI Memorial, safety is our highest priority, and we only administer vaccines that are recommended by the FDA as safe and effective. The FDA continues to recommend all three vaccines as safe and effective. The CDC and FDA paused use of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine for a short period of time to study a small number of reports about the development of rare blood clots. Following this pause, the FDA and CDC both determined blood clots forming after Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccination is extremely rare and the vaccine remains safe and effective. People at risk for developing blood clots should talk with their doctor before COVID-19 vaccination.
Those age 12 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine in Tennessee and Georgia.
For more information about when or where you may be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Hamilton County Health Department, Catoosa County Health Department, Dade County Health Department or Walker County Health Department.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, administered three or four weeks apart. When a vaccine is given, information will be provided about when to get the second dose. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose.
For more information, visit the Hamilton County Health Department, Catoosa County Health Department, Dade County Health Department or Walker County Health Department. For additional information on COVID-19 and the vaccine approval process, we recommend visiting the CDC website and FDA website.
CHI Memorial Medical Group Practices Offer COVID-19 Vaccine
Several CHI Memorial Medical Group practices are now offering COVID-19 vaccine, and additional practices are expected to offer vaccine soon. Visit CHIMemorialMedicalGroup.org/covidvaccine to learn more.
Dr. Carlos Baleeiro, pulmonologist and critical care physician, and Dr. Mark Anderson, infectious disease specialist, answer common questions from pulmonary patients about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Matt Kodsi, MD, Ph.D, Vice President of Medical Affairs, answers COVID-19 vaccine questions.
Matt Kodsi, MD, Ph.D, Vice President of Medical Affairs, answers questions about the COVID-19 vaccine development.
