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DIDHD provides timeline on COVID vaccine rollout in UP

Many are wondering when the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to them. The COVID-19 vaccine has been distributed to many provider organizations across Michigan and continues to be distributed and received as supply allows.

Your local public health department encourages all citizens age 16 and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In consideration of limited supply, COVID-19 vaccine distribution must follow strict guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in order to ensure those with the most critical need receive vaccination first.

To get a better picture regarding when you may be able to receive COVID-19 vaccination, listed below are the rollout phases and estimated starting times for each phase for the COVID vaccination process in the Upper Peninsula.

When reviewing this information, it is important to be aware that:

— These time frames of availability are strictly estimates and are entirely dependent upon vaccine supply and distribution to local vaccine providers. As such, time frames of availability are subject to change.

— Those individuals included in each phase may change based on additional information and guidance from national and state experts.

— Public service announcements will be widely distributed prior to the start of each phase.

— There is no need to make a reservation in advance to receive the vaccine unless you are directed to do so by your provider or the health department.

— Vaccination allocation within Michigan varies in quantity by region, and within regions, based upon metrics determined by MDHHS. As such, the quantity of vaccine available within the Upper Peninsula may vary among local health department jurisdiction. As a result, it is possible for one area to be slightly ahead of another in moving through the vaccination phases within their region.

Timeline estimates regarding when you may receive the COVID-19 vaccine are:

December and January

Already started; given by hospital and health department personnel.

— Phase 1A Priority One: Keep critical health care infrastructure open and functioning — i.e., hospitals, critical care units and emergency medical response systems.

December and January

Given by CVS and Walgreens and health department personnel.

— 1A Priority Two: Prevent outbreaks and protect residents in long-term care facilities and nursing homes.

Mid-January

Done by multiple vaccination providers from this point forward.

— 1A Priority Three: Health care infrastructure not included in Phase 1A Priority One, such as clinics, dentists and pharmacies.

Mid- to end of January

— Phase 1B: Frontline essential workers and those age 75 and older. Frontline essential workers are those that interact with the public and whose jobs cannot be performed at home. Examples are firefighters and police; education (teachers, support staff, daycare); corrections workers; grocery store workers; public transit workers; food and agriculture; manufacturing; U.S. Postal service workers.

Mid-February

— 1C Priority Group: Ages 65 to 74; those 16 to 64 with medical problems that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID; other essential workers who are non-frontline essential workers.

 Adults of any age with these conditions that make for an increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death from the COVID-19 virus: Cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, heart conditions, immunocompromised states, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, type 2 diabetes

End of March/early April

Phase 2 is a mass vaccination campaign for all those older than age 16 not previous immunized.

— Dickinson-Iron District Health Department

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