MICHIGAN, USA — Last week, the governor announced providers of the COVID-19 vaccine could begin vaccinating the next phase of eligible people, which includes anyone ages 65 and older and some essential workers.
Initially, Phase 1B (one of four phases laid out by the state) was only meant to include people 75 years and older, in addition to essential workers.
However, the state expanded the age requirement as 80% of COVID-19-related deaths have been among people ages 65 and older in the state.
As of Jan. 8, the state had distributed 725,850 doses of the vaccine and 195,240 have been administered.
The state opened up a new vaccination phase to help close the gap between vaccines distributed and administered. Health officials say the roll out has been slow initially, but it is expected to pick up as providers secure more doses of the vaccine and are able to plan.
Who is prioritized in Phase 1B?
The state has “highly encouraged” that counties prioritize vaccinating people ages 65 and up.
Next, frontline workers whose role has "frequent or intense exposure" and who are not able to socially distance are to be prioritized. The state says this includes first responders, school and child care staff and corrections staff.
Each county’s plans look slightly different based on supply. It's also worth noting that one phase does not have to be complete in order for the next phase to start. Many counties are carrying out the remainder of Phase 1A as they begin Phase 1B.
How do I register for the vaccine?
This depends on the county you live in or the health systems closest to you.
For West Michigan residents, vaccination registration links have been compiled at vaccinatewestmi.com.
However, some of the links have not opened up to the public just yet, while others have opened and then closed within a matter of hours due to a lack of vaccine supply. Many local health departments are planning to reopen the link on a weekly basis once they learn how many doses they'll receive.
If you're not able to access online registration, counties say you can call:
Ottawa County: 211
Kent County: 211
Allegan County: 269-673-5411
At this point, the West Michigan coalition of health departments and health systems has said it is not turning anyone away who is eligible. So, if you live in Kent County and work in another county, you can likely register in either.
Hospitals are also ramping up large scale vaccination clinics. Spectrum Health opened its clinics Monday. Demand is very high, so appointments will likely be at least weeks out.
Local health departments have plans for mass vaccination clinics, but many of them lack the supply necessary to carry them out at this point. The majority of the early vaccine shipments went to health systems to accommodate Phase 1A vaccinations.
Essential workers may be able to get scheduled through their employers.
Both of the available vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna require a second dose (21 and 28 days apart respectively), and you must receive the same type of vaccine the second time around. So, you should sign up for a second appointment with the same provider as the first.
What if I am in Phase 1A and did not receive the vaccine yet?
You can still register and receive the vaccine. You may just be looking at a longer wait time as the eligibility for the vaccine has broadened to include a much larger percentage of the population. However, some local health departments are continuing to prioritize anyone in Phase 1A.
What is the cost of the vaccine?
The state says there will be no out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine. For those with insurance, healthcare providers may bill insurance for administrative costs.
How will I schedule my second appointment?
Most providers are having you schedule your second appointment when you show up for your first dose. You should be given a card with the date and time of your second vaccination appointment.
Michigan's vaccination phases:
Phase 1A: Paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work from home as well as residents in long term care facilities.
Phase 1B: Persons 65 years of age or older and frontline essential workers in critical infrastructure.
Phase 1C: Individuals 16 years of age or older at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 infection and some other essential workers whose position impacts life, safety and protection during the COVID-19 response.
Phase 2: Individuals 16 years of age or older.
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