DICKINSON COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL is dealing with a recent area surge in COVID-19 activity, with state data showing 11 coronavirus patients in the facility, four of them in intensive care. (Daily News file photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Healthcare System is ordering pediatric doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, anticipating immunizations may be available as soon as early November, a hospital official said Monday.

The hospital is working with the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department to administer the shots, which will likely be available both through the health department and the hospital’s pediatric clinics, said Sue Hadley, vice president for clinical services and population health.

Authorization of a Pfizer shot for children ages 5 to 11 is expected after a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel meets Nov. 2-3. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses three weeks apart and then a two-week wait for full protection.

Full-strength Pfizer shots already are recommended for anyone 12 or older. Both Moderna and J&J’s vaccines can only be used on people 18 and older, though Moderna also is studying its shots in elementary school-aged children.

Hadley, who serves on the local COVID-19 committee, told the hospital board that three coronavirus patients were hospitalized at DCH as of Monday. That’s down from 12 patients just last week, she said.

“It’s nice to see that number decrease,” she said. “Hopefully we continue to see that decline.”

Margaret Minerick, hospital board chair, praised hospital staff for its performance throughout the pandemic.

The hospital is “very prepared” for the coming months, Hadley said.

The most recent census from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services showed 16 COVID-19 patients at U.P. System-Marquette as of Oct. 14, including seven in intensive care.

In other action, the hospital board:

— Learned from CEO Chuck Nelson that DCH still hopes to reach a definitive affiliation agreement by the end of the year to join Marshfield Clinic Health System. “We’ll be negotiating a final agreement over the next couple of months,” he said. “We’re looking forward to being a Marshfield hub in Michigan.” The signing of a letter of intent was announced at DCH on Oct. 12.

— Remarked that the community’s response to the proposed Marshfield Clinic affiliation has been good. Comments have been “all positive that I’ve experienced,” said Trustee David Holmes. Minerick, likewise, said she has “gotten a lot of good feedback.”

— Agreed to cancel the regular November board meeting and combine it with the December meeting, with a date to be announced. This is due to scheduling conflicts with the firearm deer season, Thanksgiving and meetings related to the Marshfield proposal, Minerick said.

— Heard Brian Donahue, chief financial officer, report net income in September of $153,000. Inpatient revenue was strong, although outpatient revenues lagged as new equipment came on line, he said. “Things are operating on all cylinders now for October,” he said. No year-to-date figures were shared, but the board’s finance chair, Kim Van OsDol, said he believes DCH is in “the best shape it’s ever been.”

— Noted the hospital’s annual Trunk & Treat event will take place as a drive-up event from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Guests should enter the driveway near the Emergency Department entrance and continue driving directly behind the hospital, where children will be handed a Halloween treat by costumed DCH staff. To exit, proceed to the Dickinson Medical Building parking lot. In light of coronavirus precautions, “we’re doing it as best we can,” said Joe Rizzo, director of public relations and business development.