COVID-19 vaccinations begin Monday for phase 1B in Michigan, which includes people who are 65 and up, teachers, first responders, and other frontline workers.
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the move to phase 1B during a press conference.
Around 80% of deaths from COVID-19 has come from those 65 and older, according to the state, and that's why they changed the priority to vaccinate those 65 & older.
“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Gov. Whitmer said in a release last week. “I urge all seniors to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and that all Michiganders to make a plan to get vaccinated when it becomes available to you. And as always: mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can easily spread from person to person. We will eliminate this virus together.”
“We are pleased to move the state forward in the next stage of vaccinations,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health, added. “These vaccines are safe and effective, and we especially want our first responders, teachers and older adults to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The strategy we are announcing today is efficient, effective, and equitable, focusing on making vaccine available to those who have the highest level of risk, whether it is because of where they work or because of their age.”
