Cookeville Regional will likely begin vaccinating citizens when vaccine supplies become more plentiful.
CEO Paul Korth said in the early stages, it made more sense for the Health Departments to be the primary provider.
“As soon as there is plenty of vaccine available, we will step in and help,” Korth said. “Right now, there is not enough to go around. Our local health department can easily manage and administer the amount of vaccines they are getting right now.”
Korth said if the hospital started vaccinating now, it would create unnecessary competition over limited doses.
“If we asked for the vaccine, that it would just reduce the number that goes to the local health department,” Korth said. “I wanted them to get as much as possible for right now.”
The State Health Department said last week it would appreciate the help of hospitals statewide so long as they would meet widespread needs. State Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said medical centers needed to vaccinate beyond just their customers.
