Vaccination Update from Henry Ford Health System

(January 29, 2021 4:18 PM) Henry Ford Health System today provided an update on the health system’s vaccination efforts and reminded the community to continue practicing vigilance, particularly with businesses reopening next week.  The latest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) order allows restaurants to resume in-person dining, along with other business categories having some restrictions lifted.

Dr. Adnan Munkarah, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer noted the rates of hospitalizations and positive test results continue to decline, but expressed concern about the coming weeks. 

“We continue to encourage mask-wearing and social distancing as the most effective preventative measure, but remind the community to be cautious in light of business reopenings, Super Bowl gatherings and new variants of COVID-19,” said Munkarah.

As of today, HFHS has administered 65,000 doses of vaccine. This includes first and second doses given to Henry Ford team members, Henry Ford patients 65 and older who have certain high-risk conditions, community-based healthcare workers not employed by a health system (independent doctors, home care specialists and others in the 1A criteria) and essential workers. 16,022 patients have been fully vaccinated (first and second doses).

Bob Riney  HFHS President of Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer said out of 800,000 doses administered in Michigan, 1 out of 12 were administered by HFHS.  “We have clearly shown our readiness in delivering vaccines to our patients,” said Riney.  “It will take 2 million appointments to vaccinate all Henry Ford patients.  We are deliberate in our process and have not wasted a single drop of vaccine.”

Riney reported HFHS requested 13,650 doses for next week but will receive only 7,800 Pfizer doses and 3,900 Moderna doses, nearly 2,000 less than ordered.  “While we are encouraged at the federal efforts to increase the number of doses shipped, supplies are still limited,” said Riney.  The supply is for both first and second doses.   

Riney noted HFHS has the capacity to deliver five times the amount of doses received at a total of five vaccination sites set up by Henry Ford, including Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson.  The quantities arriving next week will be headed to vaccination sites in the entire Henry Ford system.

Vaccines are currently being given to the first priority groups as established by the MDHHS.  Those include HFHS health care workers, essential workers, those over age 65, and others that meet the requirements of the MDHHS.

This week, HFHS made a slight change to the vaccination process.

“We are contacting existing Henry Ford patients to alert them that they will receive a special message when their time comes to be vaccinated with instructions as to how to make an appointment. We are contacting them by text, email or phone call based on the contact information they have provided to us,” Riney said.  “Patients no longer need to check MyChart for making an appointment.”

Existing Henry Ford patients who do not have a MyChart account are still encouraged to do so at www.henryford.com/visitors/mychart. This will streamline the notification and scheduling process for them.  All vaccinations are by appointment only. The vaccine is NOT available through physician offices, emergency departments or by calling our call center.  As vaccine supplies increase, we will be able to offer more appointments and expand the number of vaccination sites throughout our service area.

For patients who do not use the internet, Riney said special efforts are being made to reach all patients.  20 phone agents are dedicated to work with patients to make sure no one is left out. 

Yesterday, Riney noted the health system cautioned patients to avoid being scammed while waiting to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Federal agencies including the FBI, FDA and the Federal Trade Commission, have issued warnings to consumers to be on the lookout for COVID-19 vaccine scams aimed at stealing personal and financial information. “People should be extremely vigilant and wary of vaccination offers that don’t come from trusted sources like their doctor, healthcare provider or local health department,” said Riney.