Here are the new priority phases of the COVID-19 vaccine for distribution in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials unveiled a new list of priority phases for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in the state.

O Michigan Department of Health and Human Services updated the stages for essential workers and residents at high risk of serious infection.

“Some essential workers are at greater risk of exposure or exposure to others due to the nature of their work and older individuals, particularly those with underlying health problems, are particularly vulnerable to the virus,” he said. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical officer and deputy chief of health. “As new information is learned, that orientation will continue to evolve.”

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Michigan is following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The recommended guidelines for phases 1B and 1C of vaccine distribution were updated on Sunday (December 20) to try to balance prevention and social function.

Here are the updated phases:

• Phase 1: Paid and unpaid workers in healthcare facilities who may be directly or indirectly exposed to patients or infectious materials and cannot work from home, as well as residents of long-term care facilities.
• Phase 1B: Anyone 75 years of age or older, as well as key frontline employees in critical infrastructure.
• Phase 1C: Anyone 16 years of age or older who is also at high risk for serious illness due to the COVID-19 infection, as well as some other essential workers whose positions affect life, safety and protection during the pandemic.
• Level 2: Residents aged 16 or over.

The phases may change again as more information is discovered about the vaccine, state officials said.

Vaccination does not necessarily need to be completed in one phase before vaccination starts in another phase, officials said.

Decisions about moving to the next phase will be made at the state level.

More than 231,000 doses of Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered to local health departments and hospitals across the state, with more than 120,000 additional doses expected next week. This data is being tracked in the COVID-19 vaccine panel.

Michigan health officials have set a goal to vaccinate 70% of Michiganders over the age of 16, about 5.6 million people, by the end of 2021. There will be no direct costs for individuals with the vaccine, but professionals healthcare providers may charge insurance for administrative expenses.

The COVID-19 vaccine will require two doses, separated by three or four weeks, depending on the manufacturer. Michiganders must receive both doses to have full protection against the virus.

Anyone receiving the vaccine may experience mild side effects, such as low fever, pain in the arm and general discomfort, which indicates that the vaccine is working.

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