Detroit City expanding COVID vaccinations for seniors, essential workers

DETROIT – As criticism increased over the low vaccination rate, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced on Thursday that the city will expand distribution.

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Starting on Monday, the TCF Center will begin making appointments for Detroit over 75 years old and essential workers in “Group B” – which includes teachers and caregivers of children.

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Essential Group B workers must provide their employer’s name and their most recent paycheck to verify their eligibility.

Residents can call 313-230-0505 to schedule an appointment. Vaccinations will begin Wednesday.

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When an appointment is scheduled, individuals will receive two appointment dates – one for the first dose and one for the second required dose.

The call center staff will contact each scheduled person before their second appointment to remind them.

For greater efficiency and convenience, the city recommends that, when possible, eligible members of the same family or neighbors book together and arrive in the same vehicle.

On Friday, the vaccine will be available to any Detroit police officer or DDOT bus driver who wants it.

The Detroit Department of Health plans to vaccinate all homeless shelters and apartment buildings for the elderly by the end of February.

The city is working hard to prevent people from standing in long lines to wait for the vaccine.

Who is eligible to receive the vaccine at TCF?

• Any Detroit resident aged 75 or over
• Any “good neighbor” aged 65 or over who takes a 75 year old man to the TCF Center
• Essential Group B workers, including elementary and high school teachers and child assistants

Detailed information about the TCF testing website is available on the official Detroit website. As other independent vaccination locations in pharmacies and other locations go online in the city, a location map will be added to the site.

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