MidMichigan Health Opens Additional Vaccine Appointments

With an increase in COVID-19 vaccine supply both locally and nationwide, MidMichigan Health will open additional vaccine appointments beginning Thursday, March 4. Patients age 65 and older plus certain groups of essential workers are currently eligible to receive the vaccine.

Those interested in making an appointment are asked to follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify whether you meet the current vaccination criteria

The following groups are currently eligible:

• Health care workers
• All people age 65 or older
• Pre-kindergarten through high school teachers, support staff and child care workers who usually have direct contact with children
• First responders not covered in Phase 1A (e.g., firefighters, police, conservation officers, inspectors)
• Corrections workers (e.g., staff in prisons, jails, juvenile justice facilities)
• Workers in homeless shelters, congregate child care institutions, and adult and child protective services
• Frontline essential workers in the food processing and agricultural industries

These phases are defined in MDHHS’s Vaccination Prioritization Guidance document.

Step 2: Review Medical Considerations
Review the following medical conditions prior to joining the wait list as these conditions can impact the appointment timing:

1. Cancer, Rheumatology or Immune Disorders – Consult specialist before scheduling a COVID vaccine appointment to learn how the vaccine may impact immune response and/or some medications being taken.
2. Received Antibody Treatments for COVID-19 – Based on current recommendations, patients should wait 90 days after receiving monoclonal antibody (BAM) or convalescent plasma treatment before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
3. Other Recent Vaccinations such as Hepatitis B, Shingles, Influenza or Tetanus – Patients should wait 14 days after receiving other vaccinations before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
4. Prior History of COVID-19 – Patients will need to wait at least 10 days after diagnosis and be symptom free and out of quarantine before receiving the vaccine. They may want to wait up to 90 days based on current evidence suggesting they may be protected for up to 90 days.
5. Mammograms – Patients due for a routine screening mammogram are recommended to schedule their mammogram before their first dose or 4-6 weeks after the second dose of the COVID vaccine.

More information about the above conditions is also in the Frequently Asked Questions.

Step 3: Call for an Appointment

Those meeting the above criteria are asked to call the MidMichigan COVID Hotline at (989) 794-7600 or toll-free (800) 445-7356, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and press Option 1.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Appointment

• Read MidMichigan’s Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the vaccines and what to expect.
• Please bring photo ID and wear a mask and a short-sleeved shirt on the day of your vaccination. The injection will be administered in the upper arm.

Those unable to keep a scheduled appointment, or those who have received the vaccine at another location, are asked to call the MidMichigan COVID Hotline at (989) 794-7600 or toll-free (800) 445-7356, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Those interested in the latest information on the vaccination distribution may visit www.midmichigan.org/covidvaccine. Those interested in a current list of COVID-19 testing site locations may visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirustest.