January 30, 2021
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.
WAYNE COUNTY & CITY OF DETROIT CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information specific to Wayne County, contact the Wayne County Health Department’s COVID-19 Public Information Line at (734) 287-7870 or visit WayneCounty.com/COVID19.
Wayne County Seniors
Seniors will get vaccine shots from their hospital systems. Your system may notify you directly on how to schedule for your shot.
Hospital Systems in Wayne County
- Beaumont Health
- Detroit Medical Center
- Henry Ford Health System
- St. John’s – Ascension Health
- St. Joseph Mercy-Livonia – Trinity Health
- Garden City Hospital
Don’t belong to a hospital system? Not a problem!
Seniors who do not belong to a hospital system can pre-schedule with Meijer. Please note that only online appointments will be accepted; walk-ins are not allowed.
Please be patient. It will take time to get shots to all. While you wait you should wear a mask, practice social distancing, and avoid large crowds.
For more information specific to Detroit, contact the City of Detroit Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline at (313) 876-4000 or visit detroitmi.gov.
COVID Vaccines available at TCF Center
COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the TCF Center for Detroit residents who are: age 68 and older; K-12 teachers and support staff; childcare workers; frontline workers; Detroit postal workers; federal and state law enforcement officials who live or work in Detroit; active members of the clergy; and, funeral home and mortuary services employees.
Access to vaccinations at TCF will expand to other eligible groups as the supply of doses increases. Be sure to schedule an appointment so you can get yours and keep washing your hands and wearing a mask!
How to schedule an appointment
Call 313-230-0505 to schedule your appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines will be administered by appointment only; walk-ins will not be accepted.
When calling for an appointment, individuals will be provided TWO appointment dates, one for the first dose, and another for the required second dose (usually given three or four weeks from the first one, depending on the manufacturer). Call center staff will contact you prior to your second appointment as a reminder.
>> Click here for more information.
Stay safe and be well,
Sylvia Santana
3rd District