MUSKEGON, MI – Although the COVID-19 vaccine remains in short supply, health agencies in western Michigan are encouraging older people to apply for vaccination clinics and consultations.
Health departments in Muskegon and Ottawa counties have online registration forms where citizens aged 65 and over can express an interest in receiving a vaccine. Those who fill out the form will be contacted when vaccination appointments are available to them.
The forms, as well as those for other communities in western Michigan, can be found online at https://vaccinatewestmi.com/register.
Vaccines have been limited due to a lack of vaccines, but are expected to “get better and better over time,” said Dr. Jerry Evans, Mercy Health chief of staff, during a news conference on Friday, January 15th.
Related: 4% of Michigan adults vaccinated so far; see the numbers in your county
Those who now qualify for the vaccine are those aged 65 and over, key frontline workers, teachers, daycare workers and those living in communities.
The Muskegon County Department of Health and Mercy Health are using the same registration form. The direct link to the form is https://lfforms.healthwest.net/Forms/muskegonvaccinereq. Those who do not have access to the Internet or need help to complete the form can call the health department at (231) 724-8856.
As of Thursday, January 14, nearly 14,400 elderly people 65 and older had filled out the Muskegon County vaccine application form. Muskegon County Public Health Director Kathy Moore said priority was being given to residents over the age of 75.
“We ask for your patience, we thank you for your patience and we will definitely follow the individuals on that record,” said Moore.
The direct link to the Ottawa County form is https://ottawacounty.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9NX1bJKKwiiIMMl. The department is warning that the appointments are unlikely to be available for “several weeks”. If you are unable to complete the form, you can call 211 for help.
Health officials warned of a fraudulent vaccine registration form that asks for a Social Security number and form of payment. That form should not be used, they said.
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