Jackson County Health Department Weekly Report for May 14, 2021

(May 14, 2021 7:09 AM) The Jackson County Health Department has released its weekly report and it is published here:

We appreciate the community efforts in overcoming the COVID challenges over the past year that Jackson County has had in keeping our community safe. Schools have had the difficult task of balancing a quality education, and keeping students and staff safe during a pandemic. On May 7th, MDHHS stated that they would cease enforcement of school guidance. Jackson County Health Department continues to encourage schools to continue to follow the State of Michigan Guidelines for K-12 schools https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_104699—,00.html, including identifying close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases and quarantining. We will strive to work with MDHHS and schools to provide up to date guidance that can help keep students and the community safe.

Vaccine Update regarding Youth

In support of recommendations made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the JCHD along with other community vaccine clinics, will begin to offer the Pfizer vaccine to individuals 12 -15 years of age at upcoming clinics. Parental permission via a signature on appropriate forms will be required in order for the minor child to receive the vaccine.

Vaccine Opportunities

Vaccines offered at various clinic locations are listed on the VaccineFinder webpage. The JCHD Facebook page will also list various clinic sites. The health care community continues to work closely to provide various opportunities for vaccines for Jackson residents. For a complete list of vaccine opportunities, please visit or call one of the following:

JCHD sponsored clinics – www.mijackson.org/hd or Call (517) 788-4420, opt 9;
HFAH – www.henryford.com/covidvaccine (call 517-788-4067 for ML King Center)
Center for Family Health – Call 517-748-5363
Pharmacies and other sites – www.Vaccinefinder.org

Homebound individuals who are interested in a COVID-19 vaccine, please contact Disability Connections at (517) 998-3084, Region 2 Area on Aging at (517) 592-1976 or the Jackson County Department on Aging at (517) 788-4364.

Current Trends in Jackson County:

Effective May 17, we will be reopening our Immunization Clinic and Sexual Health Clinic, by appointment, on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Immunization Clinic will also be offering the COVID-19 vaccine on a walk-in basis during the month of May on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00am-11:00am and 1:00pm-3:30pm. To schedule an appointment at the Immunization Clinic, please call (517) 788-4468, and to schedule an appointment at the Sexual Health Clinic, please call (517) 788-4477. Please be advised that some Jackson County offices are in the process of a gradual reopening, and may still have limited access. Please follow signage and instructions when entering the Health Department for these services.

The Jackson County Health Department is awaiting further guidance from the State of Michigan DHHS regarding today’s updated CDC guidance regarding mask requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

In order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, residents are encouraged to continue preventative measures as recommended by the CDC, which includes frequently washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance when around others.

Data

Jackson County Health Department reports the following data as of May 12, 2021. This information is also available on the Michigan Vaccine Dashboard which is updated daily (M-F) by 3:00 p.m.

**Recovered = alive 30 days after onset date (if onset date is missing, then referral date). This calculation is using the Patient Status variable to distinguish alive vs deceased.

The COVID-19 variants continue to circulate in our community. There is evidence that the B.1.1.7 is still the most prevalent COVID-19 strain spreading in Michigan.

Additional Resources

Jackson County Health Department Webpage

State of Michigan Vaccination and Prioritization Strategy

https://www.mistartmap.info/about

Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Information Page

JCHD COVID Information phone line – (517) 817-4469