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Local doctor helping deliver COVID-19 vaccine across Northeast Michigan

ALPENA, Mich. –

One Michigan area doctor is doing his part to help prevent the spread of COVID–19 and he just so happens to be right here in Northeast Michigan.

Dr. Richard Bates is normally working in his role as Vice President of Medical Affairs at MidMichigan Health in Midland, but now he’s making deliveries to not only save lives, but to make sure smaller communities like Alpena are not forgotten.

“We have been working for weeks as we learned more of when the vaccine was going to be available,” said Bates.

Dr. Bates has been spending many of his days driving across the state to make sure everyone has access to the COVID–19 vaccine. Including right here in Alpena.

“My role in bringing the vaccine to Alpena– well I know the route,” said Bates.

The doctor, an Alpena resident, who also covers the area in his region began delivering the Pfizer vaccine to the area in mid-December.

He said the strategy to make sure area front line workers are supported and protected is important, especially to help protect the general public.

“How do we get those frontline staff the vaccine first,” and how do we make sure you don’t use all your vaccine on the vaccinators,” said Bates. “So we had small teams that went to multiple sites.”

Bates said it’s important to get vaccinated and suggest getting advice from leaders in the community.

“You can look to your community physicians, those are the people the community have trusted in the past and continue to trust, and I think they can be trusted,” said Bates. They’re leading by example and receiving the vaccine.”

Dr. Bates said reception to the vaccine has been positive. Many medical staff are feeling hopeful and ready to see a little normalcy very soon.