LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer received her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine after becoming eligible in the latest phase of prioritization that includes all Michiganders age 16 years or older.
The governor joined her daughter and seven metro Detroit teens who received their vaccinations from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, and Dr. Betty Chu, Chief Quality Officer at Henry Ford Health System.
Governor Whitmer prepares to receive COVID-19 vaccine on 4/6/21. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Whitmer).
“I am excited to join millions of Michiganders in the fight against COVID-19 by getting the first dose of the safe, effective vaccine, and I am proud to help my daughter get her vaccine too,” Governor Whitmer said. “I encourage parents to help their 16- and 17-year-old teens register for the vaccine and accompany them to their appointment, so that they can look forward to a safe, normal summer. Everyone in Michigan is now eligible to get the vaccine, and I urge all Michiganders to get vaccinated to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19. Let’s beat COVID-19 together.”
The seven students who received their vaccine alongside the governor have volunteered to serve as Protect Michigan Commission COVID-19 ambassadors.
As part of the ambassador program, the students will urge their peers to get vaccinated and continue to practice preventative measures such as properly wearing masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing to reduce the spread of the virus until the vast majority of people have been vaccinated.
“I am honored to provide Governor Whitmer with her vaccine along with these young Michiganders who will be helping encourage their friends, classmates and other peers to get vaccinated against the virus,” Dr. Khaldun said. “Today I am especially asking Millennials, Generation Z age 16 and up and their parents: please get on your phone or your computer and schedule your appointment today.”
To date, Michigan has administered 4,706,383 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible.
As part of these efforts, Michigan is working to administer 100,000 shots per day, partnering with organizations like Ford Field to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.
“People under age 24 are developing COVID-19 in increasing numbers both in Michigan and nationally,” director of the Protect Michigan Commission Kerry Ebersole Singh said. “The more the virus gets transmitted, it prolongs our battle against the disease and our return to normalcy. That’s why it is critical for everybody age 16 and older in Michigan to make a plan to get vaccinated and, after they get their shots, to encourage their friends, family and co-workers to also get vaccinated.”
All individuals 16 and 17 years of age are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine only. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for those 18 years and older. Any minors ages 16 and 17 will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany them to their appointment to provide consent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
In some counties, the parent or legal guardian may be able to provide consent through a note or a phone call that has been verified by two nurses. Residents should check with the vaccine provider first to see if this is an option where they live.
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