More COVID vaccine entitlements are coming, but appointments won’t be instant, officials say

By Stone Andrews On Mar 19, 2021

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Washtenaw County residents 50 and older will be able to register for a COVID-19 vaccination starting Monday, March 22nd. However, health officials assume that demand will exceed supply.

“Care is vital, which is why March 22, if every 50-year-old is eligible, that doesn’t mean you’ll get an appointment that day,” said Jimena Loveluck, Washtenaw County’s health officer.

The health department is currently prioritizing those 65 and over who are not yet planned, officials said. On Tuesday March 16, officials reported that approximately 75% of people in this age group received at least one dose of the vaccine.

All Michigandans aged 16 and over will be able to fire a shot starting Monday April 5th.

“As we know from previous government extensions to eligibility, eligibility doesn’t mean much if we don’t have the vaccine supply,” said Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health. “In terms of capacity, hopefully we will see supply increase steadily and / or dramatically as that date approaches.”

Michigan Medicine and IHA vaccinate patients on a supply basis. Meijer, Rite Aid, and Kroger pharmacies also offer vaccinations in Washtenaw County.

In collaboration with St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital and the Chelsea School District, a new mass vaccination clinic has opened at Pierce Lake Elementary School in Chelsea, 275 N. Freer Road.

Pop-up clinics are also offered in a variety of locations including Ypsilanti High School, St. Francis Assisi Congregation in Ann Arbor, Second Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, and Bethel AME in Ann Arbor.

The health department has been operating vaccination clinics in the Convocation Center of Eastern Michigan University since January.

As of March 16, in Washtenaw County, 126,747 first and second doses of vaccine had been administered between various health systems, state data shows. The Washtenaw County Health Department is responsible for administering 35,304 of these doses, data shows.

Residents should complete the individual vaccine request survey at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6230164/WCHDIndividual. Those who cannot complete the survey online can call 734-544-6700.

Residents should also check www.washtenaw.org/covid19vaccine to see if they are eligible for the vaccination.