State leaders did some damage control last week after Tennessee became a national focal point — not in a good way — over the firing of Dr. Michelle Fiscus, head of the state’s immunization program, and pausing promotion of vaccinations for young people.

Dr. Lisa Piercey, the state’s commissioner of health, said promotion was stopped simply to make sure messaging was directed at parents and not children. Lawmakers, meanwhile, said they never discouraged vaccines but wanted to ensure “marketing” wasn’t being directed at kids. Ultimately, the promotion efforts resumed, including partnering with schools to offer vaccination clinics.

Also on the public health front last week, schools began laying out their COVID-19 guidelines for the 2021-22 school year. Shelby County Schools Supt. Joris Ray told a school board work session that masks would be recommended unless medical or developmental conditions prohibit it. However, field trips athletics and playground activity will return.

And charter school leaders discussed on Behind The Headlines what their school year will look like.

Finally, a leaked memo that raised questions about the leadership ability of Dr. Michelle Taylor, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ pick to head the Shelby County Health Department, jeopardized her approval by the County Commission as it prepared to consider the matter Monday afternoon. — Ron Maxey

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Tennessee may still immunize 14-18-year-olds under Mature Minor Doctrine but instances are “very nuanced and fringe,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Lisa Piercey.

‘In the general course of a month, Delta went from nothing to just about everything,’ said Richard Webby, an infectious disease expert who works at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. By Jane Roberts

Roblin Webb of Freedom Preparatory Academy, Yetta Lewis of Gestalt Community Schools and Bobby White of Frayser Community Schools joined Behind the Headlines to talk about what they’re doing to prepare for the return to classrooms. By Daja E. Henry

The nomination of Dr. Michelle Taylor as the new Shelby County Health Department director drew fire Wednesday, July 21, with distribution of a May memo to Mayor Lee Harris that said a search panel recommended not picking Taylor and continuing the search. By Bill Dries

Legislators seek to clarify stance on vaccinations in wake of national criticism following the firing of vaccine official Dr. Michelle Fiscus. By Ian Round

Masks will be required when the coming SCS school year begins, but field trips, athletics and reopened playgrounds will come back again.  By Daja E. Henry

Memphis hospitals relaxed strict visitation policies, allowing outside ministers to visit patients alongside family. But an uptick in COVID numbers could cause those policies to tighten again. By Toni Lepeska

The Shelby County Health Department reported 259 new coronavirus cases Thursday, July 22. One month ago, the agency reported 14 new cases. Majority are Delta variant. By Elle Perry

The Shelby County Commission will vote on Taylor’s appointment on Monday, July 26. By Jane Roberts

But national headlines alleging the state is anti-vaccine don’t sit well with lawmakers and elected officials. Many say the difference between promoting vaccines and simply educating residents, particularly minors, is a fine line. By Jane Roberts

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