MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department opened another Covid vaccination site on the campus of Southwest Tennessee Community College in Whitehaven on Friday.

“I just praise God because this is where I live over here, and it was just a blessing for me because I prayed about this,” said resident Ruby Thomas who was in line on Friday to receive her vaccine.

She waited nearly two hours outside the center to get her vaccine, but said she didn’t mind waiting.

“I really prayed about this and it worked out right on time,” she said. “I appreciate this and I’m excited about this.”

As soon as the clock hit 9 a.m., healthcare workers were busy giving vaccines to a line of people who were just as eager to get their shot. But there was a little confusion as some arrived several hours early and weren’t aware the shots were given by appointment only.

According to the Shelby County Health Department, all appointments for the site are booked for the rest of the month. They asked those who do have an appointment to not arrive more than a hour early.

Vaccination efforts are also underway at local Walmarts, the Pipkin Building and at the Cherokke Health System offices on Frayser Boulevard and American Way.

According to the state, more than 72,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Shelby County. The county is reportedly trailing other big metro areas like Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency sent a team of 26 people to the Mid-South to help input data to help the county know day-to-day how many doses of the vaccine has been given.