MICHIGAN COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Michigan has hit a new milestone in the race to vaccinate residents against COVID-19.

All Michigan residents 16 and older are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Michigan has started listing local health departments accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Three walk-in clinics for COVID-19 vaccinations are planned in Sterling Heights this week.

I presented my appointment information to security outside of Ford Field Gate A and told them my son didn’t have an appointment. We both felt fine and when our time elapsed, we left Ford Field. Local 4's Brandon Roux after he received his first COVID-19 vaccine dose at Ford Field. Ford Field! Local 4's Brandon Roux and his son, Christian, received their first COVID-19 vaccine doses at Ford Field.

DETROIT – Michigan has crossed another COVID-19 vaccination milestone: 30% of residents have received at least one vaccine dose. According to MDHHS data, as of Thursday (March 25), 30.3% of Michigan residents have received at least one dose, while 17.4% are fully vaccinated. About 3.8 million doses have been administered in total. Nearly 2/3 of Michigan residents 65 and older have received at least one dose, while about 40% are fully vaccinated. As for specific vaccines, 1.9 million doses from Pfizer, 1.7 million from Moderna, and about 68,000 doses from Johnson and Johnson have been administered in Michigan.

Local 4 anchor Rhonda Walker recently received her coronavirus vaccination -- here’s what she had to say:Local 4 anchor Rhonda Walker got vaccinated to "protect herself and others." Local 4's Rhonda Walker and her mother, Harriet. Local 4's Rhonda Walker receives her coronavirus vaccine. Local 4's Rhonda Walker and her family. Local 4's Rhonda Walker gives a thumbs up after receiving her COVID vaccine.

Local 4 meteorologist Paul Gross just received his first coronavirus vaccination -- here’s how it went:Sunday was the happiest I’ve been for a very long time. At that time, I wasn’t officially eligible for the COVID vaccine yet, and had been waiting my turn patiently (alright, impatiently). More: Tips for a smooth COVID vaccination processThere’s been a lot of talk about side effects. But still, she was getting her COVID shot because she knows it is important to do so. I know that there are a number of people who won’t get the COVID vaccine.

FILE - In this Monday, March 8, 2021 file photo, a health worker shows the media how she prepares a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be administered to a patient at a vaccination center set up in front of Rome's Termini central station. AstraZenecas release of encouraging data about its coronavirus vaccine from its U.S. trial raised hopes that the drug company could bury doubts about the shot and put a troubled rollout behind it. But just hours later, U.S. officials released an unusual statement expressing concerns AstraZeneca had included outdated information from its study and that it may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

DON’T skip your usual medications on the day of your vaccination, but DO avoid taking antihistamines, ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you don’t need to. DO sign up for the CDC’s text-based symptom monitoring system called V-Safe right after you get your shot. sign up for the CDC’s text-based symptom monitoring system called V-Safe right after you get your shot. DO be prepared if you’re asked about your availability to schedule the second shot in three to four weeks, depending on the vaccine you receive. If you get the Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccine: DON’T miss that second shot -- it’s essential to reach your full protection against the virus.

(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)DEARBORN, Mich. – Walk-in coronavirus vaccinations are being offered to Dearborn-area residents aged 50 and older on Tuesday, March 23. Dearborn residents seeking to schedule a specific COVID-19 vaccination appointment can do so at the city’s website right here. As of Monday, March 22, all Michigan residents 50 years old and older are now eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Michigan residents aged 16 and up who have disabilities and/or medical conditions, as well as their caregiver family members and guardians, are also eligible to get vaccinated. More: How people working in Detroit can schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointment

Gretchen Whitmer held a news briefing Friday morning to provide an update on the state’s coronavirus pandemic response. UPDATE: Michigan increases outdoor stadium capacity, requires COVID testing for youth sportsThe governor’s remarks come just after she spoke from Ford Field Thursday with Lt. Gov. Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesAdOn Thursday, the state of Michigan reported 2,629 new virus cases and 25 new deaths (including 24 from a vital records review), totaling 618,421 overall cases and 15835 deaths. Over the last few weeks, the state has seen a slight increase in daily new COVID-19 cases. New: How to schedule COVID vaccine appointment at CVS in Michigan

Michigan will expand its COVID-19 vaccination plan to include all Michigan residents aged 50 and up by the end of March. Caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs will also be eligible to receive the vaccine. What medical conditions would make me eligible for vaccination during this phase for those individuals age 50 and older? Special health care needs include any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. Beginning March 22 and as vaccine supplies become available, individuals age 50 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Michigan will expand its COVID-19 vaccination plan to include all Michigan residents aged 50 and up by the end of March. Caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs will also be eligible to receive the vaccine. What medical conditions would make me eligible for vaccination during this phase for those individuals age 50 and older? Special health care needs include any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. Beginning March 22 and as vaccine supplies become available, individuals age 50 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)LANSING, Mich. – Coronavirus vaccine shipments to Michigan have been delayed due to winter storm conditions impacting several parts of the U.S., officials say. Michigan officials are asking residents to remain patient and to confirm their vaccination appointments before heading out in the cold weather. Moderna COVID vaccine shipments were also affected, with no shipments coming out of the Memphis McKesson distribution center on Feb. 15, 16 or 17 due to the weather. AdThe news comes as several COVID-19 vaccination appointments were rescheduled across Michigan this week due to the severe weather conditions. Read: Michigan updates COVID vaccine strategy -- here are the 4 major takeawaysRelated news

DETROIT – The city of Detroit is working hard to ensure eligible residents have access to a coronavirus vaccine. Fair says racial discrepancies highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic are one of the reasons why the Detroit Health Department is asking everyone to get vaccinated. The effort is the first in the region to directly bring the COVID vaccine to communities severely impacted by the pandemic. “Don’t be afraid to get the shot, just go for it.”AdDetroit residents who are interested in getting vaccinated but dont have transportation can call the Detroit Health Department to set up an appointment. The department will arrange a cab to pick up eligible individuals and transport them to their vaccination appointment.

The White House has selected specific pharmacies in each state to receive and administer coronavirus vaccines to help ramp up vaccine distribution. See: What we know about the process of getting COVID-19 vaccine doses to pharmacies“Statewide, 20,000 doses are going to Ride Aid pharmacies -- 200 stores across the state. So that’s only going to leave 100 doses per store,” said Andrew Cox, director of the Macomb County Health Department. Macomb County is a large Michigan county with a large senior and vulnerable adult population. Last week, the state gave Macomb County about 7,300 doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

“I would say this is wrong,” said Michigan Rep. John Reilly. The state of Michigan is currently in vaccination phase 1-B, which began on Jan. 11. “They said 80 percent of their people are over 75 and they have not been able to get the vaccine,” Reilly said. “Oakland County has offered to administer the COVID vaccine to the county’s state representatives, seniors and commissioners because continuity of government is a vital public interest during the pandemic,” Mullan’s statement reads. Local health departments have the option to prioritize the groups within the guidance they feel are most at risk and at highest need of vaccination.

(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)LANSING, Mich. – Michigan health officials are urging residents to continue wearing face masks, even after receiving coronavirus vaccinations. Officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are encouraging people, even those who have been vaccinated against the virus, to wear face coverings to prevent COVID-19 spread and infection. The data shows the importance of wearing a mask correctly and making sure it fits snugly over the mouth and nose. Officials recommend doubling up by wearing a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, a nylon covering over a mask or a mask fitter. AdMichigan residents in need of a face mask can contact their local Community Action Agency or local DHHS office for one.

(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)Michigan has been distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccines for nearly two months -- and the pace is picking up. Since Dec. 14, when Michigan administered its first COVID-19 doses to frontline workers at the University of Michigan, the state has reported more than 1.4 million doses in arms, as of Feb. 11. Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesAdResidents 50 and older account for the majority of doses administered so far, with the biggest group being between 65 and 74. Michigan COVID-19 vaccination age data as of Feb. 11, 2021. Michigan also ranks 11th among U.S. states for doses used, at 74%, as of Feb. 11.

Beyond getting the actual shot, getting signed up for a vaccination appointment can be a huge and confusing process for elderly residents -- especially since computers are needed to do so. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, from Michigan, had called on the state to set up a phone system to help simplify the appointment scheduling process for seniors. On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) held a virtual COVID vaccine information session, hearing from seniors who are beyond frustrated by the sign up process. Michigan health officials walked seniors through the state’s COVID vaccine website, where individuals are advised to seek information about vaccinations in their local communities. Officials then encouraged seniors to call 2-1-1 for assistance with scheduling a vaccination appointment, especially if they do not have access to the internet or a computer.

DETROIT – Meijer is launching a series of COVID-19 vaccination clinics at stores across Michigan this week, with plans to administer up to 25,000 doses in its first week. During the last few weeks, Meijer says it has conducted vaccine clinics in numerous counties throughout the state, administering up to 1,200 vaccines in a single day at some stores. Gretchen Whitmer revealed that more than 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the state. By the end of Wednesday, the state had administered exactly 1,076,545 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the governor. AdRegistration infoThe vaccine clinics conducted by Meijer are not open to walk-ups.

Like many Americans, one congresswoman has some fears about receiving a coronavirus vaccine -- but she says that shouldn’t stop anyone from receiving their shot. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, from Michigan, tells Local 4 that her personal experience with vaccinations has made her fearful about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. However, the congresswoman says she has been assured by several experts -- including the nation’s top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci -- that the COVID vaccine is not dangerous and will not affect her the same way. She says despite her fears, she is going to receive the vaccine when it’s her turn. She also hopes that anyone who is scared like her will overcome their fear of the vaccine and get vaccinated when they can.

Results from the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial show that the vaccine may actually help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to effectively preventing infection. Recent findings from the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine trial imply that the vaccine might be effective at reducing coronavirus transmission. Read: Study finds COVID-19 vaccine may reduce virus transmissionAdResearchers in the Oxford-AstraZeneca study took swabs from volunteers weekly during the trials to see if the volunteers were able to spread the virus. This information is reassuring, particularly to Britain and other countries that have prioritized administering first doses of the vaccine by pushing second doses until later. More: UK says new study vindicates delaying 2nd virus vaccine shotAdBritain became the first country to authorize AstraZeneca’s inexpensive, easy-to-handle COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 30.

Beaumont Health System’s IT team detected and shut down unusual activity Saturday related to online COVID-19 vaccination scheduling, the hospital announced Sunday. The Beaumont team determined a user took advantage of an Epic scheduling tool vulnerability and shared an unauthorized scheduling pathway publicly that allowed 2,700 people to “cut in line” and register for an unauthorized vaccine appointment. AdBeaumont notified the national Epic corporate office so it could communicate with other health systems to prevent this from occurring elsewhere. We regret 2,700 people in our community became victims of this unfortunate incident,” said Beaumont Health Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Hans Keil. We are also notifying the Michigan Hospital Association and other Michigan health systems about the issue.”READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases

The coronavirus pandemic has been frightening for so many people, but some people have no doubt been through worse. Namely, Holocaust survivors. There are about 800 Holocaust survivors living in Metro Detroit, and about 100 of them received their coronavirus vaccinations from the Oakland County Health Division at Jewish Family Service in West Bloomfield on Friday. These survivors have arguably seen the worst of humanity, and their perspective during a deadly pandemic is unparalleled. “We see people who feel cooped up again, and it’s starting to trigger them of those memories that they had,” said Missy Levin with Jewish Family Service.

Though the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine has lagged behind expectations in Michigan and across the country, Michigan officials say they think the state is currently on the right track. During a news conference on Friday, Michigan’s chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun outlined the state’s vaccine distribution progress so far. With over 598,000 doses of the COVID-19 safe and effective vaccine going in arms,” Khaldun said. “I have been calling on the federal government to take this action for quite a while,” Whitmer said. Khaldun said Friday, however, that the vaccine does appear to be effective against the coronavirus variant.

Michigan’s system of “phases,” which determines who receives a COVID vaccine first, has put health care providers in a difficult spot. Some Michiganders have been cutting in line for a vaccination, making it more difficult for those in need to receive the vaccine. She is eligible to receive a COVID vaccine in Michigan, but Therese says trying to sign up with her healthcare provider -- St. Joseph Mercy Health System -- has become another full time job. Other residents who are far younger and not frontline workers have apparently had success getting vaccines from St. Joseph Mercy. When he was asked how he got so far ahead in line, he said, “I’m essential I guess,” with a winking emoji.

With demand high and supply low, getting an appointment to receive a coronavirus vaccine in Michigan can be tricky -- even for essential workers. Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesMeijer will administer COVID vaccines at its Michigan pharmaciesCOVID-19 vaccine questions? Ask the doctorMichigan has released a preliminary timeline to show a projection of when other phases can expect to begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. People between 16-64 with health conditions that put them at high risk for COVID complications and remaining essential workers are expected to be vaccinated between May-September. A national crisis: Governors complain over pace of COVID-19 vaccine shipments

DETROIT – Michigan has released a preliminary timeline to show a projection of when other phases can expect to begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. RELATED: COVID-19 vaccine questions? Ask the doctorAs of Jan. 15, people over the age of 65, frontline essential workers, child care, school staff and congregate care facilities are able to get vaccinated. People between 16-64 with health conditions that put them at high risk for COVID complications and remaining essential workers are expected to be vaccinated between May-September. As the first vaccine shipments sat in freezers, some areas wasted time trying to identify who to give the vaccine to once health care workers were vaccinated.

FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2020, file photo, a registered nurse prepares a syringe with the first round of the Pfizer COVID vaccination in Ridgeland, Miss., as state medical leaders received inoculations. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)DETROIT – Michigan has released a preliminary timeline to show a projection of when other phases can expect to begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesThe preliminary timeline is fluid. But here’s where things stand as of Jan. 15:Michigan COVID vaccination timeline as of Jan. 15, 2021. Be patient: Getting a COVID-19 vaccine might take some time, persistenceVaccine supply should increase in the next few weeks after the Trump administration approved a request from several governors, including Michigan Gov.

DETROIT – Seniors across Wayne County are struggling to get their doses of the coronavirus vaccine. Anita and Dan Siefer said they’re prisoners in their Wayne County home. “My wife and I are anxious,” said former Wayne County Commissioner Gary Woronchak. “We have been hunkered down for months.”Woronchak has also been struggling trying to schedule a vaccine appointment. They will start with four stores in Wayne County, but they haven’t revealed which ones.

ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Oakland County Health Division said the demand for the COVID vaccine is far greater than the county’s supply. Oakland County is getting 1,950 doses of the vaccine each week. There are more than 215,000 people in Oakland County who are 65 and older. READ: How Oakland County residents can schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointmentThe Oakland County Health Division set up a drive-thru vaccination clinic at Rochester Fire Station No. Faust said as the county works to get more vaccine doses delivered, residents should reach out to their personal health care system, which should be receiving more doses.

DETROIT – Wednesday was a big day for residents of Detroit -- a day Detroiters have been waiting nearly 10 months for. READ: ‘This is the first step to getting our lives back’ -- Detroit begins vaccinating residentsMeda Chapman, a 77-year-old Detroit resident, was the first of 400 people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the TCF Center. READ: How Detroit residents can schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointmentEarly on, Detroit was a coronavirus hotspot. More than 1,700 people have died from coronavirus in Detroit, a little less than half of the roughly 3,600 that have died in Wayne County. “I think that the seniors especially should step forward and take the shot,” Chapman said.

DETROIT – Wednesday was a big day for residents of Detroit -- a day Detroiters have been waiting nearly 10 months for. 400 people will receive the COVID-19 vaccine on the city’s first day of administering treatment at the TCF Center. Detroit is offering 20,000 COVID-19 appointments through Feb. 5 as the city moves into the next phase. The first Detroit residents -- seniors over 75 and older; Good Neighbors 65 and up who drove a senior and teachers set up appointments and became the first citizens in Detroit to get the first vaccine shot. READ: How Detroit residents can schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointmentMayor Mike Duggan knows a lot is riding on this and had police officers and volunteers help direct people to the vaccinations.

Officials heading the U.S.’ Operation Warp Speed program in charge of organizing the nation’s COVID vaccine rollout provided an update on their efforts Tuesday. Federal officials in charge of organizing and distributing coronavirus vaccines to states -- who then, in turn, are responsible for distributing vaccines among their residents -- said on Jan. 12 that the system is operating as planned, despite many states arguing that the rollout has moved too slowly. Read: Governors scramble to speed vaccine effort after slow startThose leading the federal operation say states experiencing issues with vaccine delays likely had their own issues with data collection and/or reporting. Watch the full report in the video player above. More: National news

President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming administration announced that it intended to release the millions of withheld vaccines when they take office after the governors submitted their request to the HHS. Rather than hold onto second vaccine doses, Biden plans to instead accelerate shipment of first doses and use the levers of government power to provide the required second doses in a timely manner. There were about 95,000 active COVID cases in the state on Jan. 11. Michigan health officials are urging patience as the vaccination process unfolds, while the state attempts to secure more doses to meet the need. Read: Michigan health departments urge patience on COVID vaccines: ‘Demand is overwhelming’“It’s a tremendous relief to add vaccination to the resources we have to prevent COVID-19 from causing additional harm, but this process will take time,” says Jimena Loveluck, MSW, health officer with Washtenaw County Health Department.

A Covid-19 AstraZenaca vaccine is prepared at the NHS Nightingale facility at the Excel Centre, London, Monday Jan. 11, 2021. (Jeremy Selwyn/Pool via AP)DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan held a news conference Tuesday to discuss the city’s plans for coronavirus vaccine distribution and scheduling. The city of Detroit is offering 20,000 COVID vaccine appointments for eligible residents through Feb. 5 as it moves into the new vaccination phase. Learn more: How Detroit residents can schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointmentDetroit officials say the first vaccine appointments will take place at the TCF Center beginning Jan. 13. Mayor Duggan was joined Tuesday by the city’s Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair, Detroit COO Hakim Berry and Public Safety Medical Director Dr. Robert Dunne.

DETROIT – Michigan will move into the next phase of vaccinations Monday, which includes teachers, first responders, childcare providers and residents 65 years of age and older. Eligible essential workers, teachers and childcare workers will be notified by their employers about vaccine clinic dates and locations, Gov. Michigan Medicine announced it will pause phase 1B vaccinations due to a lower-than-expected supply. U of M will make sure there are enough vaccines for people from the first phase to get their second dose. “There still is not a national strategy.”Because supply of the vaccine is limited, residents are required to get an appointment.