All Michigan residents ages 16 and up will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine beginning April 5, state officials announced this week. And beginning Monday, all those over the age of 50 will be made eligible to receive their shots. New state guidelines also make those 16 and up with disabilities or medical conditions eligible for a vaccine beginning next week.
More than 3 million doses have been administered statewide to date. And according to state officials, that puts Michigan on track to eventually vaccinate all residents ages 16 and older.
All residents are encouraged to register for appointments with multiple providers. Health care officials will still be encouraged to prioritize vaccines to patients with the highest risk, including older residents and essential workers. Vaccinations are currently underway for residents age 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities and caregiver family members and guardians.
Outside of Michigan, President Joe Biden has issued a directive that all adults should be eligible to receive a vaccine by May 1. Despite the local jumpstart, state officials expect it may still take several weeks beyond April 5 for everyone who wants a vaccine to receive an appointment.
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Those eligible for a vaccine may now connect with the Ingham Community Health Centers to be vaccinated, regardless of whether they are established patients. Interested patients should call one of three locations: Forest Community Health Center at 517-887-4302; Birch Community Health Center at 517-244-8030; or New Hope Community Health Center at 517-887-4400.
At least 47 cases of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant, which originated in the United Kingdom, have been detected among “several school sports teams” at Grand Ledge Public Schools.
Those cases reportedly include at least 29 middle and high school students, coaches and staff, as well as their close contacts. Officials fear the spread could be more severe because the B.1.1.7 variant is reported to be much more contagious than other forms of the coronavirus.
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