GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — West Michiganders in some COVID-19 vaccine priority phases will be able to start registering to receive their shots Friday afternoon.
Local health departments and health systems will begin accepting registration for vaccinations Friday at 1 p.m. here.
Those registering should expect that appointments may not be available for several weeks because supplies are limited and Phase 1A is still in progress.
“We encourage everyone to be patient as we prepare for the upcoming vaccination phases,” a news release said. “Vaccinations are occurring as quickly as possible and information is being shared as it becomes available.”
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.
Because of that, officials are asking everyone to schedule an appointment at the same location for both doses.
SEE MORE: W. Michigan health departments 'not ready' to start next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations Monday
There are no out-of-pocket costs for consumers to receive the vaccine, but those with health insurance will be asked to provide that information.
The state has opened vaccinations for the following people:
- Everyone 65 and older not covered in Phase 1A
- Prioritized frontline workers, including: Pre-kindergarten through high school teachers, support staff and childcare workers who usually have contact with children; firefighters, police, conservation officers, inspectors, corrections workers and workers in homeless shelters and adult and child protective services
Anyone in Phase 1A who hasn’t already received the vaccine is encouraged to register immediately.
SEE MORE: CORONAVIRUS VACCINE