Jan. 28, 2021
Dear Neighbor,
I want to make sure you’re plugged into what’s happening in our community as the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines continues across the country.
For that reason, I am emailing you today with information about where you can get the vaccine, answering some frequently asked questions about it, and showing you what phase of the initial distribution you will fall into.
I also wanted to remind you that I am hosting an upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall tonight at 6:00 PM with leading medical experts who will answer some commonly asked questions about the vaccine.
Special guests include:
- Dr. David Vandenberg, Chief Medical Officer, St. Joseph Mercy Health System
- Dr. Jeff Desmond, Chief Medical Officer, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers and the University of Michigan Medical Group
- Dana Habers, Chief Department Administrator, Radiology, Michigan Medicine
- Charles Wilson, MSW, Community Health Promotion Supervisor, Washtenaw County Health Department
All are invited to join the conversation, and the details are below:
WHAT: COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall
WHEN: Thursday, Jan 28, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Online Facebook Live Meeting. You do not need a Facebook account to participate, and can view the town hall at this link.
Hope to see you online this evening!
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION
On Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) began vaccinating residents 65 and older along with frontline workers — including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff, and preK-12 teachers and childcare providers — to help reach the state’s goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over age 16 and bring a quicker end to the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan.
Since then, the state has been working around the clock to ensure the COVID-19 vaccine is distributed and administered as quickly as possible. Vaccination is our path back to normal life and a strong economy.
If you fall into the above-named categories of individuals eligible to start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, you should contact your county health department or local vaccine clinic to schedule your vaccination appointments. Don’t know how to reach them? Read on for more information, resources, and answers to frequently asked questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccination right now?
All counties in Michigan are now vaccinating residents over age 65.
I’m not over age 65, so when can I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
Priority groups and phases set by MDHHS, following guidance from the CDC, are as follows:
- Phase 1A: Paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, and who are unable to work from home, as well as residents in long-term care facilities.
- Phase 1B: Persons 75 years of age or older and frontline essential workers in critical infrastructure.
- Phase 1C: Individuals 16 years of age or older at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 infection and some other essential workers whose position impacts life, safety, and protection during the COVID-19 response.
- Phase 2: Individuals 16 years of age or older.
.How do I schedule an appointment to get vaccinated?
Visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine to find your local health department and other local vaccine clinics near you. You should schedule your COVID-19 vaccination appointments through your county health department or local vaccine clinic. Please note that you must have an appointment scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; walk-ins will not be accepted.
It is also important to note that there is limited vaccine available in the state, and so there will be limited appointments available. As more vaccine becomes available, the state will be able to move more quickly through the priority groups.
How many doses of the vaccine will I need to get?
The COVID-19 vaccine will require two doses, separated by three or four weeks depending on the manufacturer (Pfizer vaccines are given 3 weeks apart; Moderna vaccines are given 4 weeks apart). Michiganders should receive both doses to have full protection from the virus.
Do I still need to wear a mask and practice social distancing once I receive the vaccine?
Yes, you should continue to wear a mask, social distance from people not in your household, and wash your hands often, even after receiving the vaccine.
How much does it cost to get vaccinated?
There will be no out-of-pocket costs to individuals for the vaccine, however, health care providers may bill insurance for administrative costs.
Are there any possible side effects I should be aware of?
You may experience mild side effects such as a low-grade fever, sore arm, and general discomfort, which indicate that the vaccine is working. There is a robust state and national process for tracking vaccines and reporting side effects.
I have already had COVID-19, so should I still get vaccinated?
Yes, there is not enough information currently available to say if, or how long after infection, you are protected from getting COVID-19 again. Current research suggests that a natural immunity doesn’t last long, so getting the vaccine is still important.
Will I be required to get the vaccine?
MDHHS, the CDC, and local public health officials highly recommend you get the COVID-19 vaccine, but there may be religious or medical reasons that allow you to opt out of receiving it. You should talk with your doctor about any concerns you have.
Where can I find more information?
For more information, call the state’s COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. As additional information and resources become available, it will be posted to this site.
WASHTENAW COUNTY CONTACT INFORMATION
You can also find more local information by visiting the Washtenaw County Health Department’s COVID-19 page, or by calling their hotline at 734-544-6700 to schedule an appointment.
Additional local information can be found by visiting Michigan Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccine information update page. St. Joe’s website also contains information, although they are not accepting any new appointments at this time due to extremely limited supplies.
Stay safe and be well,
Jeff Irwin
State Senator
18th District