Michigan Medicine opens first-dose appointments to patients 65 and older, on-site health care workers

Michigan Medicine opens COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Big House

MLive file photo.Jacob Hamilton | The Ann Arbor News

ANN ARBOR, MI — Michigan Medicine has opened approximately 1,000 first-dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments this week, after being unable to do so the last couple of weeks due to limited vaccine supply.

The new first-dose appointments were opened Feb. 23 and quickly reserved for patients 65 and older, as well as a limited number of Michigan Medicine health care workers who work on-site at health care facilities, according to Michigan Medicine officials.

Those who received an invitation to schedule an appointment this week or have received an invitation in the past are asked to check on March 1 to see if additional first-dose appointments are being offered, officials said.

“We hope to receive enough vaccine supply next week to continue to open new appointments and extend new invitations to our eligible patients,” according to an email sent by the health system.

New second-dose appointments were opened up early this week, and Michigan Medicine will continue to monitor and open additional second-dose appointments as needed and as vaccine supply is received, according to the email.

Michigan Medicine attributed the limited vaccine supply to a change in the COVID-19 vaccine implementation schedule on the state level. About 60% of the state’s vaccine supply is going to local health departments and the other 40% is delivered to hospitals throughout the state, according to the email.

Change in vaccine strategy ‘dramatically impacts’ Michigan Medicine vaccine rollout, officials say

Michigan Medicine recently announced a partnership with Ann Arbor Public Schools to quickly vaccinate teachers and staff. The Washtenaw County Health Department is working with Michigan Medicine and IHA to vaccinate approximately 1,200 elementary school educators on Saturday, Feb 27.

In addition to the vaccinations, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has permitted AAPS to expand rapid testing for students and staff in school buildings, school officials said.

AAPS, Michigan Medicine vaccine partnership a ‘game-changer’ in students’ return to classroom, officials say

As of Wednesday, Feb. 24, Michigan Medicine had administered 66,537 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. More information can be found on its COVID-19 vaccine website.

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