KENT COUNTY, MI – Coronavirus vaccine distribution is opening up beyond healthcare professionals next week after Governor Gretchen Whitmer expanded eligibility for essential workers such as teachers and first responders, along with all Michiganders with more 65 years old.
Kent County will open vaccine registrations from 1:00 pm on Friday, January 8. Vaccination for those outside the Phase 1A group will begin on Monday, January 11.
West Michigan health departments and systems will begin accepting vaccine registration today at 1 pm via www.vaccinatewestmi.com/register.
Counties that have accepted registrations include Allegan, Berrien, Ionia, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa, as well as neighboring health systems.
Despite vaccine production taking place in Kalamazoo County, the health department does not have enough supplies to expand eligibility at the moment. The county invited organizations with workers in phase 1B essential workers to complete an information form prior to the vaccine’s expansion beyond the first phase.
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The State opened vaccines for the following people:
- All persons aged 65 and over who are not covered by Phase 1A. This includes those in a congregated environment that were not reached in Phase 1A.
- Priority frontline workers whose work requires frequent or intense exposure to other people and who, due to the nature of their work, are unable to maintain social distance. For example, a rescuer may have to physically touch other people in their response, and a child care provider cannot maintain a social distance from children when looking after their physical needs.
The specific prioritized categories in “prioritized frontline workers” include:
- Pre-kindergarten through high school teachers, support staff and child assistants who generally have direct contact with children
- Rescuers not covered in Phase 1A (eg, firefighters, police, conservation officers, inspectors)
- Correctional officials (for example, prison officials, prisons, juvenile justice facilities)
- Workers in shelters for the homeless, bring together child care institutions and protection services for adults and children
Health departments warn that individuals who register should expect that consultations may not be available for several weeks, as vaccine supplies are limited and Phase 1A is still in progress.
Individuals should receive a second dose 21-28 days after the initial vaccination, and must be from the same manufacturer. Health professionals are emphasizing that vaccinated individuals make an appointment at the same location for both doses.
There are no direct costs for consumers to receive the vaccine; however, those with health insurance will be asked to provide this information.
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