KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is continuing to vaccinate individuals in Phase 1A with the Pfizer vaccine.
Officials with the health department say that only the Pfizer vaccine shipment is being received at this time.
There have currently been 2,271 vaccines administered of first and second doses to people in Phase 1A. Last week, the health department received a scheduled supply of 1,950 COVID-19 vaccine doses, bringing the total vaccine doses received to 3,900.
All vaccine supplies received last week are scheduled for the first and second doses of Phase 1A at this week’s vaccination clinics, and officials anticipate receiving another vaccine shipment later this week.
Any employer whose employees are eligible in Phase 1A, but have not yet been vaccinated through a local health system, should complete the health department’s online form. A lead point of contact should complete the form for the employer.
This person will be contacted by the Kalamazoo County Health Department, Ascension Borgess, or Bronson Healthcare and will be responsible for coordinating appointments with the health system for employees based on vaccine availability.
Starting Monday, January 11, the updated guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) allows the following to begin receiving the vaccine if vaccine supply is available:
- People age 65 years or older
- Frontline, essential workers with frequent or ongoing exposure as a part of their work. This includes some, but not all essential workers previously designated in 1B. First responders, police officers, jail and prison staff, pre-K-12 teachers and childcare providers are included.
In Kalamazoo County, vaccine supply is limited; therefore, vaccination clinics are only available to those in Phase 1A. Supplies are allocated through the state each week.
However, for those now eligible under the revised guidance, pre-registration waitlist forms are now available on the county website.
- Phase 1B Essential Frontline Workers Organization Form (to be completed by the employer)
- Individuals 65 years and older Pre-Registration Waitlist Form
Individuals 65 and older (or those caring for someone 65 years and older) may also call COVID-19 Call Center at 269-373-5200 to be placed on the waitlist. Those individuals can add their name to the waitlist through the online form or by calling.
“We are experiencing extremely high call volume even with a fully staffed call center,” department officials said in a statement. “We encourage people to complete the online form so that the phone lines remain open to those who do not have a way to complete the form online or do not have technology to complete the form.”
The department adds that they are working to vaccinate all eligible recipients as soon as possible, and ask for continued patience from area residents.
The most up-to-date information regarding the vaccine is available at www.kalcounty.com/covid19 and www.facebook.com/KalamazooCountyHCS.
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