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COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Information
Published on Jan 12, 2021 12:15
The City of Plymouth has been receiving calls related to COVID-19 Vaccine distribution plans. The City is not involved in the distribution of vaccines as that is handled directly by the State of Michigan and Wayne County. We are providing information that has been provided to us by Wayne County. Questions related to the distribution of vaccines should be directed to the Wayne County Health Department or your medical provider.
The Wayne County Health Department has announced that seniors are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at their area health systems. Wayne County residents aged 65 and older are now able to receive the COVID-19 vaccines at area health systems as more of the vaccine becomes available, county officials said today.
The County indicates that Seniors should contact their health providers to schedule a time to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. No walk-up or unscheduled vaccinations will be accepted.
“We know many people are frustrated about the slow distribution of vaccine from the state of Michigan,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Despite these challenges, vaccinations are the most effective way to end this
pandemic and I encourage all Wayne County residents to get vaccinated. It is safe and effective. We are working with our local hospitals to ensure we can effectively and efficiently prioritize our seniors for vaccinations.”
Wayne County is encouraging Seniors to check with their family doctor to identify their health system, or ask a trusted friend or family member to help them. Area health systems have asked residents to contact them online or through a patient portal rather than calling over the telephone.
“We are directing our seniors to contact their hospital or health system to request a vaccine time,” Wayne County Chief Health Strategist Dr. Mouhanad Hammami said. “Hospitals will vaccinate seniors. Seniors should contact hospitals directly.”
Dr. Hammami said demand for the vaccine is outpacing the state of Michigan’s ability to supply it to regional health departments. Hospitals and health systems currently have the most reliable supply of vaccine available.
Beginning today seniors, teachers, and other essential frontline workers will start registering for COVID-19 shots under Phase 1B of the state of Michigan’s vaccine distribution plan. Vaccinations will be scheduled based on vaccine availability from the state. While seniors should contact area hospitals and health systems about scheduling a time for their shots, teachers and frontline workers should first contact their employers for further instructions, Dr. Hammami said.
For more information about vaccine distribution please visit www.waynecounty.com/covid19 or https://www.michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
In addition, Wayne County provided the following FAQs:
COVID-19 VaccineFrequently Asked Questions
When will seniors be able to get the vaccine?
Last week, Governor Whitmer announced Michigan is beginning the second phase (1B) of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, which allows doses to be made available to seniors age 65 and older. The county is still vaccinating essential healthcare workers, EMS first responders, and nursing home residents. These individuals are still in the first phase (1A) of the vaccine distribution. Currently, Public Health does not have the capacity to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to seniors age 65 and older.
Wayne County has partnered with hospital systems throughout the County to
administer the COVID-19 vaccine to our senior residents. Contact the hospital system online to learn if and when you can receive your vaccination.
Your hospital will schedule with you directly a time for your shot. Ask someone you trust to help you find the right hospital.
Hospital Systems in Wayne County:
* Beaumont Health
* Detroit Medical Center
* Henry Ford Health System
* St. John’s -Ascension Health
* St. Joseph/St. Mary - Trinity Health
* Garden City Hospital
Seniors who do not receive care for a particular hospital group can still receive their vaccine from Beaumont Health. Online-only registration at:
https://mybeaumontchart.com/mychart/signup.
Please be patient. It will take time to get shots to all. While you wait, stay safe and the County Health Department recommends that you:
* Please wear a face mask
* Practice safe distance
* Avoid large crowds
I am a senior citizen, a teacher, or essential front-line worker, when can I call to schedule an appointment?
Vaccine scheduling and distribution for seniors is handled directly by our Wayne County hospital system partners. Vaccine scheduling for essential workers will begin as the county makes progress vaccinating healthcare workers, EMS first responders, and nursing home residents and as more vaccine supply is available.
It is Wayne County's hope that they will be able to provide COVID-19 vaccines to teachers and other essential frontline workers in the next few weeks. Everything depends on how much vaccine the state of Michigan sends to the county.
Why can't I get my vaccine right away?
Wayne County must first finish vaccinating higher priority groups — healthcare workers, EMS first responders, and nursing home residents (Phase 1A) – before it can move to teachers, and other front-line essential workers (Phase 1B).
The speed of this process depends on the amount of vaccine the state of Michigan sends to Wayne County.
Right now, Wayne County receives less vaccine than requested every week and a far lower supply than necessary to quickly complete Phase 1A.
Who determines how many doses Wayne County receives?
The state of Michigan determines the amount the County receives based on their inventory, supplied by the Federal government, as well as the need throughout the State.
What should I do while I wait to get my vaccine?
The Wayne County Public Health Division encourages all residents to continue
practicing preventive measures such as wearing a face covering in public spaces, socially distancing, washing hands, getting tested frequently, and staying home when feeling ill.
When did Wayne County start receiving COVID-19 vaccines?
The county received its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, December 17, 2020.
How many doses did Wayne County receive?
The county received 1,950 doses of the vaccine in the first shipment. A second shipment of 975 followed on December 29 in addition to the second dose shipment for those who received their first dose. The state of Michigan currently sends the county a shipment every 7 days. The County cannot confirm the quantity of doses until notified of shipment confirmation.
When will more shipments arrive?
The state of Michigan has told us they are reviewing need and availability on a weekly basis and they expect to make shipping and allocation decisions in that time frame.
Who will get the vaccine first?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state of Michigan have
established a prioritized list of who will get the vaccine and in what order. Here is the current order, as determined by the state of Michigan, in order of priority:
* Phase 1A includes persons serving in health care settings who have direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work from home, as well as residents of long-term care facilities.
* Phase 1B includes persons 65 years of age or older, school teachers, and workers in essential and critical industries, including workers with unique skill sets such as nonhospital or non-public health laboratories and mortuary services.
* Phase 1C includes people at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions,
* Phase 2 is a mass vaccination campaign for all adults.
Who determined this priority list and is it the same everywhere in Michigan?
The state of Michigan created this prioritization list, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state of Michigan is coordinating the distribution of the vaccine to local health departments and hospitals. This prioritization list is the same across Michigan.
I do not work in health care or a skilled nursing home facility, but can I get a vaccine early from my doctor?
No. There is a very limited supply of the vaccine right now. More is being made each day. It will take time for supply to meet up with demand. Until then, the state is prioritizing the distribution of the vaccines we have.
How much will the vaccine cost?
The vaccine is free. Administrative cost may be billed to your insurance provider if you have health coverage. While you will be asked for your health insurance information, you do not need insurance to receive a vaccine.
Will I have to provide proof of citizenship or a visa to get a vaccine?
No.
Will I need to provide identification?
For Phase 1, you will need to provide your work identification or some other form of ID to indicate you meet the eligibility requirement for the vaccine. You will also be asked to provide your name and contact information at registration. This is done to help with follow up for the second dose. You will not be asked for a Social Security information or about immigration status.
How long will it take to complete Phase 1?
That will depend on how fast more vaccine doses are made available. The Wayne County Public Health Department will monitor the distribution process and update residents when new information becomes available.
How long until the vaccine is available to the general public?
First, it depends on how much vaccine the state makes available to Wayne County. We expect it could take several months to complete all of Phase 1. As more information becomes available, the Wayne County Public Health Department will update residents.
Where can I find more information about the vaccine and how it will be distributed?
More information is available online at: www.WayneCounty.com/covid19 or from the state of Michigan at www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
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