KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is reporting that healthcare partners such as hospitals, federally qualified health centers, pharmacies and local public health departments have administered 128,649 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Kalamazoo County residents.
Officials say this represents 37.8% of residents over the age of 16 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to date, and 22.1% have completed the vaccination series.
The department is announcing that starting Tuesday, March 30, people who are 16 years or older who live in Kalamazoo County are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine from the health department.
“Expanding eligibility in Kalamazoo County to those 16 years or older is an exciting step for us. Just like every other transition, it will take time for people who are now eligible to schedule a vaccine appointment,” county health officer Jim Rutherford said in a statement. “This newly eligible group represents a significant amount of people who live in Kalamazoo County. Securing a vaccination appointment may not happen immediately, so please continue to have patience as you wait to schedule an appointment.”
The department also provided the following details on scheduled an appointment.
Appointment scheduling process for people over the age 16 who live in Kalamazoo County:
- Starting March 30, people over the age of 16 who live in Kalamazoo County may use the online self-scheduling system. Appointments are released on Mondays at 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. at www.kalcounty.com/covid19vaccine. New appointments may be added after Monday and throughout the week as existing appointments are cancelled. Residents with limited internet access are encouraged to call the COVID-19 Call Center at 269-373-5200 for assistance in scheduling appointments. Residents should note that those under the age of 18 may only schedule a Pfizer vaccine appointment. A parent or guardian must also accompany minors at the vaccination clinic.
Appointment scheduling process for people over the age 50, people 16-49 years old with disabilities and/or underlying medical conditions, or caregivers of children with special needs:
- Kalamazoo County residents over the age of 50 continue to be prioritized for vaccination as well as people 16-49 years old with disabilities and/or underlying medical conditions and caregivers of children with special needs. The health department reserves special appointment slots at upcoming clinics for this group. If you qualify in this group and have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine and wish to do so, call the health department’s COVID-19 Call Center at 269-373-5200 to schedule your appointment.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations. Under their guidelines, all Michiganders age 16 and up will be eligible to receive a vaccination beginning April 5.
Officials add that as vaccine prioritization guidance evolves, and more state residents become eligible, the scheduling process and strategy within Kalamazoo County is subject to change.
The department also released a list of points to consider:
- If you schedule an appointment but find another option or cannot make it, please remember to cancel your appointment so someone else can schedule one.
- Vaccination is by appointment only. Do NOT show up at the health department or any vaccination site without an appointment.
- All eligible residents are also encouraged to explore vaccination through other vaccine providers in the area, including Meijer Pharmacy and Rite Aid Pharmacies.
- Kalamazoo County Government’s website can be converted to Spanish, Arabic and French. On any county website, in the top right-hand corner under the social media icons, you will see “Translate”. Click on this and select the language you wish to translate the page to. The pre-registration waitlist form will also translate to this language.
- The department asks residents to reserve phone calls for those who cannot easily access online information. The health department’s COVID-19 Call Center is 269-373-5200.
The most up-to-date information is at www.kalcounty.com/covid19 and www.facebook.com/KalamazooCountyHCS.
The health department will notify the public via press releases, social media and website updates as information changes.
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