Henry Ford Allegiance Health and Jackson County Health Department Partner to Expand Community Vaccination Efforts

(January 11, 2021 12:21 PM) Henry Ford Allegiance Health and the Jackson County Health Department are working together to coordinate community vaccination efforts. With the announcement by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on Wednesday to expand immunization efforts across the state beginning today, the two organizations are actively preparing to meet the expanded demand for the vaccine within the community.

The groups identified next by the State of Michigan for vaccine priority include those 65 and older and some essential frontline workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers, jail and prison staff, and pre K-12 teachers and childcare providers.

Here in Jackson, vaccination of the first group, 1A, is still underway. “The amount of vaccine received in Jackson County has not allowed us to provide a vaccine yet for all who want it in those groups,” said Rashmi Travis, Health Officer for the Jackson County Health Department. “The need to target the appropriate groups and ensure that the correct amount of supplies and vaccine are available means everyone receiving a vaccine will need to have an appointment.”

The MDHHS press release acknowledged the logistical challenges facing health care administrators, adding, “It is important to note that there is limited vaccine available in the state, and so there will be limited appointments available. As more vaccine becomes available, the state will be able to move more quickly through the priority groups. Eligible individuals should not go to any of the clinics without an appointment.”

Beginning today, Henry Ford Allegiance Health began immunizing employees of school districts in Jackson County and critical infrastructure workers from Consumers Energy. Other essential frontline workers will be immunized by the Jackson County Health Department. Both the health system and health department are already reaching out to additional eligible workers through their employers. Together, the two organizations will coordinate vaccination efforts for the 1B Groups, as outlined by MDHHS and plan to make online appointment scheduling available as early as next week.

“We are excited to be giving vaccine to the community, but are asking for partnership and patience while we work through priority groups as outlined by MDHHS and the Center for Disease Control,” said Courtland Keteyian, MD, MPH, VP of Population Health for Henry Ford Allegiance Health. “The demand from our community for vaccines has been incredible, and we want to reassure everyone we are working through the MDHHS priority list as diligently as possible.”

“We understand the urgency many in our community feel to get the immunization,” said Keteyian. “We feel that too, and want to reassure folks we are moving as quickly as possible to complete immunizations for all priority groups. As soon as Henry Ford Allegiance Health and Jackson County Health Department can broaden their efforts, we will share that information far and wide, including how to request an appointment time.”

“We look forward to a time when vaccine is readily available and there are many options for receipt of COVID-19 vaccine,” added Travis. “Organizations such as the Center for Family Health, local pharmacies, and some area physicians will all be able to provide vaccinations. Until then, we will work to maximize vaccine allocations, so they have the most positive impact on keeping our community safe and well.”

As of Monday morning, Henry Ford Allegiance Health had administered 2,979 vaccines to essential health care workers, with the Jackson County Health Department administering an additional 800 doses. Second doses are given three weeks following the first dose for the Pfizer vaccine and four weeks later for the Moderna vaccine. 

Information regarding the vaccination process is available on the Jackson County Health Department COVID-19 vaccine page. Residents may also call the COVID-19 Vaccine information line at (517) 817-4469 or visit the Jackson County Health Department Facebook page.

Henry Ford Health System has a page dedicated to COVID-19 vaccine information. If you are a Henry Ford patient, you are encouraged to make sure you have a Henry Ford MyChart account to ensure you receive notice of vaccine availability. If you don’t have a MyChart account, you can sign up today. Please note you must be a Henry Ford patient with valid medical record number (MRN) to enroll.

The State of Michigan COVID-19 vaccine page includes a link to vaccine locations, a dashboard with information of vaccine shipped and administered as well as the vaccine prioritization guidance.