Health department announces vaccine distribution plan.

Health department announces vaccine distribution plan.

District Health Department #10 has announced its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan once the vaccine arrives in the area. Distribution of the vaccine is planned in phases. The health department is expected to be receive the first shipment of Moderna vaccine the week of Dec. 21 and plans to begin vaccinating the week of Dec. 28 with the following “phase 1” groups first: emergency medical services personnel, medical first responders, residents of long-term care facilities who have not partnered with pharmacies for their vaccine, health department vaccination clinic staff. Phase 1 vaccinations also include residents of homes for the aged and adult foster care centers and other health workers who conduct high risk procedures, have direct contact with patients and have skills critical to keeping the healthcare system functioning.

“DHD#10 will notify each priority group directly on the specifics of date, time, and location. There is no early sign-up or registration,” a health department press release stated. 

The next phase would include vaccinating police, firefighters, corrections officers, educators, food and agriculture employees and utility workers. 

Next would include adults with high risk medical conditions and adults ages 65 and older. 

The final phase would include any remaining populations from the above list, critical populations and then the general population. 

District Health Department #10 covers 10 counties including Mason and Oceana counties. 

Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital is currently working on its distribution plan, according to spokeswoman Patricia Ezdebski. Spectrum Health announced it vaccinated its first Grand Rapids area employees Tuesday during a press conference. 

“It is anticipated that the COVID-19 vaccination will be readily available for the general public in the spring or summer of 2021,” according to the health department release, which also stated the Pfizer vaccine should be available for use by DHD#10 when the subsequent vaccine orders are placed.

The plan is subject to change.

More information can be found here. 

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