Vaccines for all

Gov. Whitmer announces everyone 16 and older can be vaccinated starting April 5

The COVID-19 vaccine is about to become widely available across the state of Michigan with the announcement that the original phasing plan is being abandoned.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday, March 12 that every Michigander age 16 and older will become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday, April 5. Before this announcement, Michigan was not projected to get through all phases until late August or
early September.

The press release from the governor’s office and MDHHS also stated that any person 16 years old or older that suffer from a qualifying medical condition can receive their vaccine as soon as March 22.

“I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines. It is essential to getting our country back to normal … And as always: mask up, practice safe social distancing and avoid large indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can easily spread from person to person. We will eliminate this virus together,” Gov. Whitmer said.

Ferris students, staff and faculty residing in Big Rapids will have several options for where to get their vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine appointments are currently available at Meijer, Rite Aid, Spectrum Health and Walgreens.

Walmart is reportedly also going to start offering the vaccine at its Michigan pharmacies in the coming weeks as more doses become available for the state.

“Over 2.7 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we are well on our way to vaccinating 70% of Michiganders age 16 and up,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We are pleased to lay out our plan for when every Michigander age 16 and up will be able to get a vaccine. We will continue to focus our efforts on removing barriers to access for our most vulnerable to exposure and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. These vaccines are the way we are going to end this pandemic and I urge Michiganders to make a plan to get your vaccine when you are eligible.”

This announcement comes just days after the CDC announced updated COVID-19 social distancing guidelines to include that anyone that is fully vaccinated may remove their masks indoors if they are with other fully vaccinated individuals.

Photo by: Charlie Zitta | Production Manager