COVID-19 Vaccine Program Expanding Locally

Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccination effort is expanding.

Beginning Monday, those age 65 and older will be able to get their shots. So will some younger essential workers, including school staff, first responders, and jail and prison staffers.

In a news conference yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said that vaccine supplies are still not arriving in the state as quickly as was promised. Still, 152,000 residents have been inoculated – mostly health care workers.

Michigan’s current pandemic restrictions continue through January 15th. Whitmer said it’s still too early to decide whether they can be relaxed.

Locally, the first round of vaccinations is expected to be completed by the middle of next week. Western Upper Peninsula Health Department Health Officer Kate Beer says more than 1,000 inoculations of health care workers have been completed in the five-county region.

A planning group including representatives from Aspirus, UP Health System-Portage, Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center, and Baraga County Memorial Hospital met yesterday, and is working to develop the means to deliver vaccines to those who will become eligible next week.

Because vaccine supply remains limited, initial vaccine clinics will be by invitation or appointment only. No walk-in vaccination clinics will be held initially.

Additional details, including how to schedule a vaccination with the various providers, will be made available soon.