Nashville's Vaccination Rules: What You Need To Know

do you have to be vaccinated in nashville

As of April 2021, there were no blanket COVID-19 restrictions in Nashville, and no countywide mask mandate. However, Nashville Mayor John Cooper signed an executive order requiring masks in all Metro buildings, and Nashville has been labelled a substantial transmission area by the CDC. Nashville Health has been offering walk-up first doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and there is also a drive-thru vaccination site. Some businesses and venues require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

Characteristics Values
COVID-19 restrictions in Nashville No blanket restrictions
Mask mandate Required in all Metro buildings, regardless of vaccination status
Vaccination sites Music City Center, Nissan Stadium, Lee Chapel
Registration Davidson County has not started accepting registrations for ages 16+
Vaccine availability Available to all Tennesseans 16+ by April 5th
Proof of residency Not required to receive a vaccine at county health departments
Pop-up clinics Available in Muslim and Hispanic community centers

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No blanket COVID-19 restrictions in Nashville

Nashville has seen no blanket COVID-19 restrictions. However, the city has implemented a mask mandate for all Metro buildings for both staff and visitors, as per an executive order by Nashville Mayor John Cooper. The mandate was enforced in response to the surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant and the CDC's updated guidelines, which urged the use of masks indoors in areas with high transmission. Nashville has been labelled a "substantial transmission area" by the CDC.

While there are no countywide restrictions, some businesses, venues, and schools in Nashville have their own mask or vaccination requirements. For instance, music venues like Bonnaroo and Live Nation require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Additionally, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Ascension Saint Thomas require their staff to be vaccinated. Walmart, Publix, Target, and Sam's Club will require employees to wear masks in COVID hotspots, regardless of their vaccination status. Apple stores will also mandate masks in COVID hotspots or areas with local or state mandates.

The Nashville Health Department has been actively working to increase vaccination rates among eligible individuals. They have hosted mass vaccination events and set up pop-up clinics in immigrant communities, such as mosques and community centres, to improve vaccine equity. Nashville Health has also offered walk-up first doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the Music City Center and a drive-thru vaccination site at the former K-Mart on Murfreesboro Road.

As of April 2021, Nashville has lifted some capacity restrictions, allowing bars and restaurants to operate with a maximum of 225 patrons per floor. The maximum indoor event capacity has been increased to 3,000 people with approval, and gathering size and table seating have been raised to 15 people indoors and 25 outdoors. These changes come as COVID-19 vaccines became available to all adults in Nashville, and the city continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated to combat the spread of the virus.

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Nashville businesses with vaccine requirements

While there are no COVID-19 restrictions in Nashville, some businesses and venues have implemented their own vaccine requirements. For example, Nashville's City Winery asks guests to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, and the owner of the 5 Spot music venue has stated that those who don't show their vaccine card at the door "are not welcome here". Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Ascension Saint Thomas also require staff to be vaccinated.

Some conservative groups have criticised these requirements, calling them a form of "discrimination" and a "violation of privacy". Tennessee Stands, a conservative community organisation, has stated that businesses requiring proof of vaccination could set a dangerous precedent. In response to these criticisms, the owner of the 5 Spot has said that the vaccine requirement is the best way to keep his staff, patrons, and performers safe, and to keep his business open.

In November 2021, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a new law restricting employers' and businesses' ability to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and take adverse action against employees for refusing to show proof. This law also prohibits public employers and public schools from mandating vaccination unless certain conditions are met. However, it should be noted that this law does not apply to federally regulated employers or most healthcare providers governed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Overall, while there is some opposition to vaccine requirements in Nashville, some businesses have chosen to implement them as a way to ensure the safety of their patrons and staff and to comply with federal regulations.

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Nashville venues with mask requirements

As of August 2021, Nashville did not have any COVID-19 restrictions in place. However, Nashville Mayor John Cooper did sign an executive order requiring masks to be worn in all Metro buildings by staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.

Some Nashville venues with mask requirements include:

  • Nashville International Airport
  • Bridgestone Arena
  • Tennessee Performing Arts arena

Some Nashville venues with vaccine requirements include:

  • Bonnaroo
  • Live Nation concerts
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Ascension Saint Thomas

It is important to note that COVID-19 safety measures, including mask and vaccine mandates, vary among restaurants, venues, events, schools, and businesses across Nashville. It is recommended to contact the venue in advance to confirm their specific requirements before your visit.

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Nashville vaccination sites

As of 2022, Nashville had two drive-thru COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites located at 2491 Murfreesboro Pike and 350 28th Avenue North. The sites are open to the public and offer the Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, free of charge. No appointments are necessary, and walk-ups are welcome.

In addition to these permanent sites, the Metro Public Health Department also provides pop-up community testing and vaccination sites each week, including afternoon and evening options. A full schedule of these pop-up sites can be found online.

The Nashville Health Department has also hosted mass vaccination events, and the Metro Public Health Department offers vaccines in all its preventative health clinics by appointment. Vaccines are also available at pop-up community-based vaccination sites for those ages 12 years and older.

In 2021, Nashville Health was offering walk-up first doses of the Pfizer vaccine at Music City Center, and there was also a drive-thru vaccination site at the former K-Mart on Murfreesboro Road.

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Nashville vaccination rates

As of April 2021, around 40% of Nashville residents had been vaccinated. Nashville Health was offering walk-up first doses of the Pfizer vaccine at Music City Center and a drive-thru vaccination site at the former K-Mart on Murfreesboro Road.

In August 2025, doctors in Nashville recommended getting a COVID booster as the 'Stratus' variant spread. They also recommended getting the flu vaccine in late September or early October.

In Tennessee, kindergarten immunization rates have fallen for the fourth year in a row, with 92.3% of children fully vaccinated. However, most school districts in Nashville report high immunity levels, with 94.8% of school-age children receiving the MMR vaccine in the last school year.

There are no blanket COVID-19 restrictions in Nashville, but some businesses and venues require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Nashville Mayor John Cooper has encouraged residents to get vaccinated, and there is a focus on making vaccines accessible to eligible residents.

Frequently asked questions

No, there are no COVID-19 restrictions in Nashville, and therefore no vaccine or negative test result is required to enter the city.

Yes, some Nashville music venues and businesses require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. It is recommended to contact the venue in advance to understand their requirements.

Yes, Nashville has an indoor mask mandate in place. Masks are required indoors and are strongly recommended outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

Yes, Nashville Health was offering walk-up first doses of the Pfizer vaccine at Music City Center. There is also a drive-thru vaccination site at the former K-Mart on Murfreesboro Road. Nashville Health Department has also hosted pop-up vaccination clinics in immigrant communities, including mosques and community centers.

No, while getting vaccinated in your own county is encouraged, proof of residency is not required to receive a vaccine at county health departments in Tennessee.

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