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ANN ARBOR, MI – Michigan Medicine is entering next priority phase of vaccinations, with plans to begin vaccinating patients 65 and older against COVID-19 during the week of Jan. 11, the health system said in a press release Thursday.
On Monday, Michigan Medicine patients in this age group currently in the care of a Michigan Medicine primary care provider, or those who have had a visit with a Michigan medicine provider in the past two years, will begin. to receive invitations to make appointments.
“Michigan Medicine will move forward in this phase in partnership with the state, local health departments and other health systems in our region to work to immunize our community as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Sandro Cinti, the one of the directors of Michigan Medicine. vaccine distribution effort and professor of infectious diseases at UM’s faculty of medicine.
While the appointments available each week will depend on the vaccine supply, Michigan Medicine said it hopes to offer the vaccination to all patients in that group who would like to be vaccinated within the next two to three months. Michigan Medicine vaccination sites are not open to the public and require an appointment.
More than 200,000 patients in communities across the state fall into the 65 and over category. Invitations will be sent out in batches, depending on vaccine availability.
Michigan Medicine has so far received 21,700 total doses of the Pfizer Inc./BioNTech vaccine and, as of January 7, has reportedly vaccinated 13,863 physicians, staff and students in healthcare in the Phase 1A category. Thousands of appointments are already scheduled in the coming days, which, along with the second doses, will deplete much of the current vaccine supply, officials said.
While the exact number is still unclear, additional doses of the vaccine are expected next week and, depending on the supply, Michigan Medicine says it could increase the volume to an average of 3,400 vaccinations per day, operating several locations seven days a week, including one at Michigan Stadium. . Additional locations are planned to expand capacity with enough vaccine available, the statement said.
“This is an important step in our efforts to fight the COVID-19 virus,” Cinti said. “We are delighted to be able to offer this vital vaccine to vulnerable patients. Our best tactic in dealing with this pandemic is to get this safe and effective vaccine to as many people as possible as soon as possible. In doing so, we are also supporting the vaccination efforts of communities across the state. “
Michigan Medicine will also engage in a community education and outreach effort, including a strong focus on reaching communities of color. The health system hosts a free virtual town hall on January 16, “COVID-19 and the African-American community.”
Tony Denton, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Michigan Medicine, will lead the community outreach and education initiative.
“It is crucial that we engage everyone in an open conversation about the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine, but especially with communities of color who have longstanding concerns and mistrust due to past vaccination experiences. Said Denton.
“We recognize that these concerns exist and wish to remove all barriers and provide evidence-based information to ensure equitable and ethical delivery of health care across all populations. We plan to invite and engage communities of color in an open discussion to address fears, reviewing the science of clinical trials and building the confidence of individuals and families to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It is one of the most important public health efforts of our lives. “
Vaccinating more than 200,000 patients in this 65 and over age group could take two to three months, and Cinti stressed that the ability to vaccinate depends on the amount of supply available.
Established and eligible Michigan Medicine patients will be contacted through the MyUofMHealth Patient Portal or by mail to invite them to make an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
“Our healthcare teams have worked tirelessly to care for all of our patients throughout this pandemic, and every hit in the arm makes our community safer,” Cinti said. “However, everyone must remain vigilant because this fight against COVID-19 is a marathon, not a sprint. We have millions more to vaccinate. We still need people to wear masks, practice social distancing, stay home if you can, and wash their hands.
Due to potential limitations in vaccine supply, Michigan Medicine said it is coordinating a phased priority group approach to deliver the vaccine based on state and federal guidelines. Michigan Medicine is following guidelines issued by the state of Michigan on Wednesday that vaccines can be given to those who fall into the Phase 1B category starting Monday, Jan.11. Phase 1B includes essential frontline workers in critical infrastructure in addition to people 65 and older.
Michigan Medicine is responsible for immunizing the entire University of Michigan community, which spans three campuses: Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint.
READ MORE ABOUT ANN ARBOR NEWS:
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