ANN ARBOR, MI – Michigan Medicine is moving into the next priority phase of vaccinations, with plans to start vaccinating patients 65 and older against COVID-19 during the week of January 11, the healthcare system announced in a statement On thursday.
On Monday, Michigan Medicine patients in this age group currently under the care of a Michigan Medicine primary care provider, or those who have visited a Michigan Medicine provider in the past two years, will begin receiving invitations to schedule consultations.
“Michigan Medicine will move into this phase in partnership with the state, local health departments and other health systems in our region to work to vaccinate our community as soon as possible,” said Dr. Sandro Cinti, one of Michigan Medicine’s leaders vaccine distribution effort and professor of infectious diseases at UM Medical School.
Although the consultations available each week depend on the vaccine being supplied, Michigan Medicine said it hopes to offer vaccination to all patients in that group who would like to be vaccinated in the next two to three months. Michigan Medicine vaccine locations are not open to the public and require consultation.
More than 200,000 patients from communities across the state fall into the category of age 65 and older. Invitations will come in batches, depending on vaccine availability.
Michigan Medicine has received 21,700 total doses of the Pfizer Inc./BioNTech vaccine so far and, as of January 7, reports having vaccinated 13,863 doctors, staff and health students who were in the Phase 1A category. Thousands of consultations are already scheduled in the coming days, which, along with the second doses, will consume much of the current vaccine supply, officials said.
Although the exact number remains unclear, additional doses of the vaccine are expected in the next week and, depending on delivery, Michigan Medicine says it can increase the volume to an average of 3,400 vaccinations daily, operating in multiple locations seven days a week, including one at Michigan Stadium. Additional sites are being planned to expand capacity with sufficient vaccine available, according to the statement.
“This is an important milestone in our effort to combat the COVID-19 virus,” said Cinti. “We are delighted to be able to offer this vaccine that saves lives to vulnerable patients. Our best tactic to fight this pandemic is to provide this vaccine safe and effective to the largest number of people as quickly as possible. In doing so, we are also supporting vaccination efforts for communities across the state. ”
Michigan Medicine will also engage in a community outreach and education effort, including a significant focus on reaching communities of color. The healthcare system is hosting a free virtual city hall on January 16, “COVID-19 and the African American community”.
Tony Denton, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Michigan Medicine, will lead the community’s outreach and education initiative.
“It is crucial that everyone has an open conversation about the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine, but especially for communities of color who have long-standing concerns and mistrust because of past vaccination experiences,” said Denton.
“We recognize that these concerns exist and we want to remove any barriers and provide factual information to ensure equitable and ethical provision of health care for all populations. We plan to invite and involve communities of color in open discussions to deal with fears, reviewing the science of clinical trials and building trust for individuals and families to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine. This is one of the most important public health efforts of our lives. “
Vaccination of more than 200,000 patients in this age group of 65 or older can take two to three months, and Cinti emphasized that the ability to vaccinate depends on how much supply is available.
Michigan Medicine qualified patients will be contacted through the MyUofMHealth patient portal or by mail to invite them to schedule an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
“Our health teams have worked tirelessly to care for all of our patients during this pandemic, and each injection in the arm makes our community safer,” said Cinti. “However, everyone still needs to be aware that 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 detachment, stay at home if they can and wash their hands ”.
Because of potential limitations on vaccine supply, Michigan Medicine said it is coordinating a phased approach by priority groups to offer the vaccine based on state and federal guidelines. Michigan Medicine is following the guidance issued on Wednesday by the state of Michigan that vaccinations can be given to those who fall into the Phase 1B category as of Monday, January 11. Phase 1B includes key frontline workers in critical infrastructure, as well as people aged 65 and over.
Michigan Medicine is responsible for vaccinating the entire University of Michigan community, which spans three campuses: Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint.
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