The news that all adults in Michigan would be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine starting next month came as a shock to many people in the state on Friday, March 12, including local health departments.
Health officials were aware of positive predictions for upcoming shipments of vaccines. Most of them had heard President Joe Biden announce the night before that he wanted all Americans aged 16 and older to be eligible for a May 1 shot.
But the significant expansion that the governors’ office announced on Friday morning came as a surprise to many of the departments that handle the vaccinations themselves. That does not mean it was not welcome news.
“To be honest, we still consume a lot of it,” said Steve Kelso, communications manager for the Kent County Department of Health. ‘We have reason to believe that the vaccine supply will increase dramatically and we think with the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place we are in a very good place to do exactly what Biden said, to have these shots administered and maybe will we all be able to have a happy fourth of July. ”
Related: All adults in Michigan are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by April 5th
Kelso said the Grand Rapids vaccine clinic set a state record on Thursday, March 11 by administering nearly 8,000 shots. And with more stock, he expects the site to get closer to 20,000 shots a day.
“Terribly excited is the mood in the health department today … It’s the most excited I’ve seen Dr. Adam London on a single news story through all this.”
Elsewhere in the state, others have reflected similar optimism. Some also seemed overwhelmed at the thought of being so dramatically eligible.
In Bay County, health official Joel Strasz said the expansion in some areas would ‘present challenges’, but added:’ I’m optimistic and as long as the vaccine supply is there, it’s a good thing. If there are problems with the supply, it is going to be very problematic. ”
From Monday 22 March, residents aged 16 or over with disabilities or medical conditions that increase the risk of severe cases of COVID-19 can be vaccinated.
Two weeks later, the fitness pool will be expanded to include all Michiganders 16 years or older.
Government officials continue to recommend that vaccine providers consider the risk of individual exposure due to their service and their vulnerability to serious illness when planning appointments. But with the expansion, communities moving faster through their waiting lists can continue vaccinations without slowing progress.
In Ingham County, health official Linda Vail said her staff found all 50- to 64-year-olds with underlying health conditions to be scheduled by the end of next week. They were already on their way to starting the next group – people in the same age group without underlying conditions.
“It’s good and bad, especially good,” Vail said. ‘It basically keeps us going through the process and it spreads the vaccinations among population groups.
“What it requires is that we balance and not leave vulnerable populations behind and vaccinate only the smartest and most eager to stand in line first.”
With more people eligible for a shot, Vail said it would only become more important for communities to use pop-up clinics and other strategies to break down barriers and get vaccinations for groups that may not have the transportation, technology and / or have no understanding. on how to sign up for an appointment.
In Ingham County, for example, Vail said the transportation authority provides free transportation for residents who have an appointment but no other way to get there.
“It is critical that we remove obstacles,” she said. “Otherwise, some people will be left behind.”
Residents who do not have access to the Internet or need help planning the vaccination 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 08:00 to 13:00 or can call 2-1-1.
As of Wednesday night, about 22% of Michigan adults and 57% of state citizens had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the state Department of Health.
A total of 2,835,638 vaccine doses were administered, including 1,824,772 first doses and 1,010,866 second doses. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots to be sent to each other, while the Johnson & Johnson shot requires one dose.
Read more on MLive:
1M in Michigan is now fully vaccinated; see numbers in your country
9 things we did completely wrong about COVID-19 a year ago
Friday, March 12, coronavirus data by Michigan County: Missaukee is now more than 20% positive
COVID-19 one year later: ‘This is our life now’