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The news that all Michigan adults would be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine starting next month came as a shock to many in the state on Friday, March 12, including local health departments.
Health workers were aware of positive forecasts for upcoming shipments of vaccine doses. Most of them heard President Joe Biden announce the night before that he wanted all Americans 16 and over to be eligible for a shot by May 1.
But the significant expansion announced by the governor’s office on Friday morning surprised many departments themselves responsible for vaccinations. That’s not to say it wasn’t good news.
“To be honest, we’re still digesting a lot of it,” said Steve Kelso, communications director for the Kent County Department of Health. “We have reason to believe that the vaccine supply is about to increase dramatically and we believe that with the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place, we are in a very good place to do exactly what Biden has. said, to get these vaccines administered and maybe we can all have a happy 4th of July. “
Related: All Michigan adults will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by April 5
Kelso said the Grand Rapids vaccination clinic set a state record Thursday, March 11, administering nearly 8,000 injections. And with more supply, he expects the site to come close to 20,000 shots per day.
“The mood in the health service today is terribly excited … It’s the most excited I’ve seen Dr Adam London about a single piece of news through it all.”
Elsewhere in the state, others echoed similar optimism. Some also seemed overwhelmed at the idea of opening up eligibility so dramatically.
In Bay County, health worker Joel Strasz said the expansion “will present challenges” in some areas, but added: “I am optimistic and as long as the vaccine supply is there it is. a good thing. If there are problems with the supply, it will be very problematic. “
As of Monday, March 22, all residents 16 years of age or older with a disability or health conditions that put them at a higher risk of severe cases of COVID-19 will be eligible for a vaccine.
Two weeks later, the eligibility pool will expand to include all Michiganders 16 years of age or older.
State officials are still asking vaccine suppliers to consider an individual’s risk of exposure due to their job and vulnerability to serious illness when scheduling an appointment. But the expansion allows communities that are moving faster through their waiting lists to continue immunizations without slowing progress.
In Ingham County, health worker Linda Vail said her staff expected all 50 to 64 year olds with underlying health conditions to have appointments by the end of the year. next week. They were already on track to start the next group – people of the same age range with no underlying conditions.
“He’s got his good and his bad, but mostly good,” Vail said. “Essentially, it allows us to move through the process and get vaccinations out among population groups.
“What is needed is that we balance and don’t leave vulnerable populations behind and just vaccinate the savvy and the most eager to line up first.
With more people eligible for a vaccine, Vail said it would only be more important for communities to use pop-up clinics and other strategies to break down barriers and get groups who may not have been vaccinated. transportation, technology and / or understanding of how to register for an appointment.
In Ingham County, for example, Vail said the transport authority is providing free transportation for residents who have a scheduled appointment but no other way to get there.
“It is essential to remove the barriers as you go,” she said. “Otherwise, some people will be left behind.”
Residents who do not have internet access or need help navigating the vaccine planning process can call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or can call 2-1-1.
As of Wednesday evening, about 22% of Michigan’s adults and 57% of the state’s seniors have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to data from the state’s health department.
A total of 2,835,638 doses of vaccine were administered, including 1,824,772 first doses and 1,010,866 second doses. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two injections weeks apart, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose.
Learn more about MLive:
1M in Michigan are now fully vaccinated; see the numbers in your county
9 things we were totally wrong about COVID-19 a year ago
Friday March 12 Coronavirus Data By Michigan County: Missaukee Now Has Over 20% Positivity Rate
COVID-19 a year later: ‘It’s our life now’
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