The Perry County Health Department received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The first to receive the vaccinations were first responders, home health care providers, student health care providers and group homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Initial supplies of the vaccines will be limited to those who fall under the Phase 1a1, as stated in the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for Tennessee, last updated on December 2, 2020, and will be modified as more is learned about the vaccines to be received by Tennessee. Call ahead to make an appointment when you fall into a category next in line to receive the vaccine.

The local health department is to continue to offer testing for COVID-19, five days a week, at no cost to those who want to get tested. Drive-through testing is performed Tuesday and Thursday only, 1:00 to 3:00, at the Perry County Health Department. You must be at least 18 to take the self-test, and have a smart phone for self-registration, watch an instructional video, and have a valid email address. The self-test takes about 15 minutes in your car. You will need a pen to complete the form. The lab will email you when your test is received and again when the results are available.