District Health Department No. 4 preparing for Phase 1B of vaccination schedule
ALPENA, Mich. — District Health Department No. 4 said thousands of Northeast Michigan residents are now eligible for the COVID–19 vaccine, however not everyone can be vaccinated immediately. DHD No. 4 said it is still vaccinating individuals in Phase 1A, which includes EMS, medical first responders and medical care facilities. In a statement, DHD No. 4 asked for the community’s patience as it develops a plan for administration of the vaccine in Phase 1B.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on Wednesday, Jan. 6 updated their vaccine priority guidance and has authorized local health departments to begin vaccinating the following groups starting Monday, Jan 11.
- People age 65 years or older
- Frontline, essential workers with frequent or ongoing exposure as a part of their work. This includes some, but not all essential workers previously designated in 1B. First responders, police officers, jail and prison staff, pre‐K‐12 teachers and childcare providers are included.
In Northeast Michigan, this represents thousands of newly eligible individuals. Vaccine availability still depends on both vaccine supply and staffing capacity. Please be patient. We cannot vaccinate everyone eligible immediately.
DHD No. 4 said it is working on planning for Phase 1B vaccination clinics. The health department said it will notify the public via press release, social media, and their website on how to schedule for the vaccine at www.dhd4.org/covid19vaccine.
Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID‐19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Locally, go to where you may find answers to your questions. For COVIDrelated questions, email us at covid@dhd4.org or call our COVID Hotline at 989‐358‐7936.
