COVID-19 Vaccine Registration for 65+ and Prioritized Frontline Workers Opens Today
The Kent County Health Department, along with health departments and health systems throughout Michigan, have received authorization from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to begin COVID-19 vaccination of some people in priority phases beyond 1A starting Monday, January 11. This includes people 65 and older and prioritized frontline workers. Please see the full list of those who are now eligible, below.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

West Michigan health departments and health systems will begin accepting registrations for vaccines for qualified individuals today on our website.

Registration is required because vaccine supplies are extremely limited and Phase 1A is still in progress. Please carefully review the criteria below to make sure you qualify before you register.

Those registering should expect that appointments may not be available for several weeks. Therefore, we encourage everyone to be patient as we prepare for the upcoming vaccination phases. Please know vaccinations are occurring as quickly as possible and information is being shared as it becomes available.

In order for the COVID-19 vaccine to be effective, individuals must receive a second dose 21-28 days after their initial vaccination, and it must be from the same manufacturer. For that reason, it is important to schedule an appointment at the same location for both doses.
COST

There are no out of pocket costs for consumers to receive the vaccine; however, those with health insurance will be asked to provide that information. 
ELIGIBILITY

The State has opened vaccinations for the following people:

  • All people 65 years of age or older not covered in Phase 1A. This includes those in a congregate setting that were not already vaccinated in Phase 1A.
  • Prioritized frontline workers whose job requires frequent or intense exposure to others, and who, due to the nature of their work, are not able to maintain social distance. For example, a first responder may have to physically touch other people in their response, and a childcare provider cannot maintain social distance from children when caring for their physical needs.

Specific prioritized categories are:

  • Pre-Kindergarten through high school teachers, support staff and childcare workers who usually have direct contact with children
  • First responders not covered in Phase 1A (e.g., firefighters, police, conservation officers, inspectors)
  • Corrections workers (e.g., staff in prisons, jails, juvenile justice facilities)
  • Workers in homeless shelters, congregate childcare institutions, and adult and child protective services

Additionally, individuals in Phase 1A who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to register immediately to ensure a smooth transition to subsequent phases. Criteria for Phase 1A can be found here.

If further sub-prioritization is needed of frontline essential workers due to limited vaccine supply, MDHHS will consider prioritizing workers in locations where high rates of transmission and/or outbreaks have occurred and among workers who are at increased risk for severe illness based on age or underlying medical conditions.
WHO SHOULD NOT RECIVE THE VACCINE
Individuals should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they are:
  • In isolation or quarantine for COVID-19.
  • Pregnant or lactating, without first consulting with your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits.
  • Have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days.
  • Have received monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 disease in the last 90 days.
QUESTIONS
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit www.vaccinatewestmi.com. 
INFORMACION EN ESPANOL

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Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Tel: (616) 632-7100
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