Keeping You Up to Date On Vaccine-Related Issues
Kent County - COVID-19 and Vaccine by the Numbers

  • Positivity Rate: 20.5%
  • Average number of cases per day in the last 7 days: 377
  • Hospital Census: 400 people hospitalized. 103 of those 400 are in ICU. About 90% of ICU patients are not vaccinated.
  • Population fully vaccinated and partially vaccinated: 
  • 61.8% of our vaccine eligible (ages 5 and up) are fully vaccinated. 67.2% of our vaccine-eligible population have received at least one dose. That leaves about 5.4% of our population partially vaccinated
  • 16,304 children ages 5-11 have received their first dose. That is about 26.8% of that age group.
  • 7,542 children ages 5-11 are already fully vaccinated. That is about 12.4% of that age group.
  • 128,859 booster have been administered in Kent County. 

For the latest information on COVID-19 numbers and vaccination rates, view our data dashboard.
Omicron Variant Detected in Kent County

Michigan health officials identified the state’s first case of the COVID-19 omicron variant last week in Kent County.

The patient, who was fully vaccinated but had not received the booster shot, tested positive for COVID-19 on December 3. On December 9, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that it was the Omicron variant.

“The identification of the Omicron variant is not unexpected,” says Dr. Adam London, Kent County Health Department Director. “We are fortunate that we have an effective, safe, and available vaccine that can protect us from this illness. We continue to urge people to get their vaccine and their boosters as soon as they are eligible.” 

Early indicators suggest the Omicron variant causes milder COVID-19 than Delta but seems to spread faster. However, it is too early to determine precisely the severity of the disease caused by Omicron or if existing treatments will be as effective.

Being fully vaccinated and boosted is the single best public health measure to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting COVID-19. Also, you are encouraged to follow these steps:

• Get vaccinated against Influenza
• Stay home if you are sick
• Wear a mask in public, indoor spaces, or crowded outdoor places
• Avoid large indoor gatherings
• Wash your hands frequently
• Get a COVID-19 test if you are exposed or are symptomatic

Appointments can be made by visiting VaccinateWestMichigan.com or by contacting your physician’s office, local pharmacy, or health department. 
Pfizer Booster Doses Authorized for Ages 16-17

Following CDC approval, the MDHHS is urging anyone 16 and up who is eligible to get the Pfizer booster vaccine if they have received their two primary COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, Pfizer is the only authorized vaccine for individuals under the age of 18.
School Mask Mandate

The Kent County Health Department public health order requiring facial coverings in PreK-6th grade will be in effect until January 2, 2022.

Several community members have reached out to us inquiring whether the school mask mandate will be extended. According to Kent County Health Department Director Dr. Adam London, an order to extend the mandatory use of facial coverings will not be issued. "Vaccination appointments are readily available throughout the community,” said London. “And more importantly, school and legislative leaders have had ample time, with an awareness of the timeline and the relevant facts, to create long-term policies for COVID mitigation.”

On October 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted vaccine authorization for children ages 5 to 11. Since vaccinations started being administered to this age group, 26.8% of children in Kent County have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

We strongly encourage parents to get their children vaccinated as it is not only good for the health of the child but also prevents the spread in the community.
Reducing Risk in Schools

Our school team continues to work closely with local educational leaders on long-term mitigation strategies and to provide educational resources. The team recently developed a COVID-19 Precautions for Students flyer, in English and Spanish, with easy-to-remember tips to help students stay healthy in the months ahead. A few of these tips include:

  • Students with symptoms MUST stay home.
  • Consider contacting your family doctor or scheduling a test.
  • Practice healthy behaviors like social distancing, getting good sleep, eating well, and staying active.

To assist Kent County students, teachers, and their families, there are several school testing locations. These sites offer PCR tests with results being returned in approximately 24 hours. Click here for testing locations and hours.

Our website has additional COVID-19 information and resources for students, parents, and schools. Click here to access the flyer.
Spread Cheer, Not COVID

Are you getting together with friends and family during the holidays? There are several steps you and your loved ones can take to protect your health while enjoying the wonders of the season.

  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Wear your mask when indoors with others
  • Wash your hands often
  • Keep celebration small and outdoors if you can
  • As a precaution, get tested
Two New COVID-19 Testing Locations Now Available

To address the need for COVID-19 testing, we have collaborated with private sector laboratories to add two testing sites.

  • NxGen, 3233 Alpine Ave, Grand Rapids. This clinic accepts walk-ins and appointments. Their hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Helix Labs, 3701 32nd St. SE, Grand Rapids. This is a drive-thru testing operation and is located in the parking lot of MSA Sports Spot. Their hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m. No appointments are needed.

If you are not feeling well, click here to see the differences between cold, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms to help you decide if you need a COVID-19 test.

There are several testing locations in Kent County. To find available locations, click here or use the testing site locator for a site nearest to you.
Clinic Holiday Schedule

All Kent County clinics will be closed for the holidays on:

  • Friday, December 24
  • Monday, December 27
  • Friday, December 31

Find more information on testing and vaccine clinics here.
Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Tel: (616) 632-7100
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