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Dear Neighbor, Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, individuals over the age of 65 and some essential frontline workers became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The State of Michigan is aiming to vaccinate 70 percent of Michigan residents age 16 and older by the end of 2021. More information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. While this is welcome news, we must remain diligent about following proper social distancing guidelines, wearing masks, washing hands and limiting interactions with members outside of our households. The only way to defeat this virus and get back to our pre-pandemic lives is for each of us to continue stepping up and doing everything in our power to keep our community and fellow Michiganders safe. Be sure to regularly check Michigan.gov/coronavirus and CDC.gov/coronavirus for the latest information. If you have additional questions about what the state is doing to mitigate the spread of the virus you can call Michigan’s COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 535-6136 seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email COVID19@michigan.gov and your questions will be answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0144 or email at ShriThanedar@house.mi.gov for questions about this or any other state-level issue. In Service, Shri Thanedar State Representative, 3rd House District Detroit Vaccine Distribution Detroit residents may begin scheduling appointments at the TCF Center as long as they fit into the following groups:
If you are in one of those groups you can schedule an appointment by calling (313) 230-0505 Monday through Friday from 9 am until 8 pm. There will be no cost to individuals for the COVID-19 vaccination. This information is updated often, so be sure to regularly check the Detroit Health Department for the latest information about distribution, appointments and eligibility. COVID-19 Vaccine Info The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how diseases without vaccines can devastate an economy and public health. In modern history, vaccines have been integral in reducing, and in some cases, eliminating diseases. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is committed to following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for prioritization of distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines, with input from state public health and health care leaders and reviewed correspondence from the public. Distribution in Michigan will be in a phased approach, with an emphasis on ensuring the continued functioning of the health care system and essential services in the community and protecting people at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Continue on below for more information, or visit michigan.gov/coronavirus. Vaccination Approval Process Vaccines are approved only after they have been held to the highest safety standards. By the time a vaccine like the one to be used to combat COVID-19 is granted approval, the data has been reviewed by the country’s top public health, medical and immunization experts. Here’s how a new vaccine is typically developed, approved and manufactured:
In an incredible feat, the COVID-19 vaccines have been developed faster than any before thanks to the unprecedented, worldwide collaboration among scientists, medical doctors, health and government officials, and manufacturers. This collective effort has allowed researchers to shorten the typical vaccine timeline without sacrificing safety or quality. Initial Vaccine Distribution & Administration Plan Distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan will follow the CDC’s phased approach, including the following phases: Phase 1A: This phase includes paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work from home, as well as residents of long-term care facilities. The first priority of this phase is to keep critical health care infrastructure open and functioning through the vaccination of staff who perform direct patient care and work in critical areas, including emergency medical service providers, emergency departments and intensive care units. Phase 1A also focuses on preventing outbreaks in long-term care facilities by vaccinating workers who have direct contact with large numbers of vulnerable residents, including staff who come in and out of the buildings. Vulnerable residents in long term care facilities will also be prioritized for vaccination during this phase. Phase 1B: This phase includes some workers in essential and critical industries, including workers with unique skill sets as non-hospital or non-public health laboratories and mortuary services.
Additional essential workers will be the focus of this phase, in order to keep critical infrastructure open and functioning. This will include K-12 school and child-care staff with direct contact with children, some workers in 16 sectors of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Program, homeless shelters, corrections facilities, congregate child care institutions, and adult and child protective services. Other workers with unique skill sets not already covered, including non-hospital laboratories and mortuary services, are also included in this phase. Phase 1C: This phase includes people at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions, and people 65 years and older.
In addition to individuals age 65 years and older, this phase includes individuals over the age of 18 with COPD, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obesity or another condition that puts them at high risk of a negative COVID-19 outcome. Please note that pregnant persons are not recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. Phase 2: This phase is a mass vaccination campaign for all adults. All other individuals who did not otherwise fit into the previous groups for whom the vaccine is recommended are included in Phase 2. The vaccine is expected to be available to the general public when supply substantially increases in 2021. COVID-19 vaccinations will be administered by the following entities:
For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan, click here. For additional information, visit michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine. |
