Seniors in Michigan could be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week. | stock photo
Seniors in Michigan could be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week. | stock photo
The COVID-19 vaccination effort in Michigan is picking up steam as senior citizens 65 and older, along with frontline workers, such as teachers and police officers, are eligible to get their first doses starting the second week of January, according to Bridge Michigan.
To date, the state’s performance has been lacking, as it is ranked among the worst in the nation in terms of numbers of vaccines administered. As of Jan. 6, just over 152,000 Michigan residents had received their first dose, despite the fact the state has been provided with 665,850 doses.
Only six other states have lower vaccination rates. The governor predicted the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report would show the state ranked in the top five. Instead, it showed 37 other states vaccinating at a higher rate. The state’s chief medical officer, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, said the state worked with hospitals during the holidays to speed up the rollout.
Other frontline workers to be included in the new wave of vaccinations are grocery store employees, agriculture workers, law enforcement officers and corrections officers. The senior citizens who receive the vaccine will be among those who can benefit most.
AARP of Michigan reported that 95% of all COVID-19 deaths have been those aged 50 and older. The state has 1.7 million residents who fall within that age bracket, according to Bridge Michigan. There are concerns about the infrastructure, though, as the operation is more complex than simply handing out flu shots.
“We don't want to see people standing in lines. We don't want to see people jeopardizing their health like we've seen in other states, and that's why it's important to make sure that you've made an appointment before you head out to get your vaccine,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, according to Bridge Michigan.
One of the biggest challenges health department officials will face will be how to organize vaccination clinics without knowing exactly when and how many vaccines will be made available.
State health department officials urge residents to be patient as preparations are made for the influx of new vaccine doses.
"What’s important now is to ramp up production and distribution of the authorized vaccines so that everyone who wants to get vaccinated can do so," Mark Hornbeck, a spokesman for AARP of Michigan, told Bridge Michigan.
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