This release will be available shortly in English and Spanish at www.washtenaw.org/health, under “Health Department news.”
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Changes
Emergency mass vaccination scaled back as COVID-19 vaccine availability increases
YPSILANTI, Mich., June 1, 2021 – Washtenaw County Health Department and area health care providers are scaling back local mass vaccination clinics. COVID-19 vaccination is now widely available, and there is less need for emergency distribution strategies like mass vaccination sites. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for anyone 12 years or older. There is no cost to individuals for vaccination.
Washtenaw County Health Department is continuing to provide COVID-19 vaccination through smaller community clinics and walk-ins without an appointment at the Health Department. The Health Department also has a new clinical RV which will be used to bring COVID-19 vaccine to locations across the county.
The Health Department and St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor hospital will jointly staff the mass vaccination clinic at Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the end of June. As of May 27, about 72,500 vaccine doses have been given at the EMU site, and the Health Department overall has given over 91,800 doses.
The mass vaccination clinic at Pierce Lake Elementary in Chelsea, supported by St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, is closed as of May 25. Anyone that received the first dose in a two-dose series at the Chelsea site can come to the Health Department for their second dose.
“COVID-19 vaccine is now more widely available, and we have less need for large-scale, emergency distribution,” says Jimena Loveluck, MSW, health officer with Washtenaw County Health Department. “We and other providers continue to focus on making vaccine as accessible as possible to anyone not yet vaccinated. Vaccination and precautions in public and indoor settings can protect all of us and keep us moving toward more normal activities and gatherings, even though COVID-19 is still circulating as lower levels.”
Michigan Medicine has transitioned vaccination from the Michigan Stadium Clinic to the U-M North Campus Research Complex as well as multiple offices and providers. Michigan Medicine has administered 134,863 doses as of May 26.
For a list of available vaccination options and search tools, see where to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Anyone under 18 years old needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when getting vaccinated. Identification is not required for adolescents, and the parent or guardian attests to age.
Anyone getting vaccinated should eat about an hour before vaccination and stay hydrated with water or non-caffeinated beverages.
Transportation
Free transportation is available to Washtenaw County vaccination sites. Any resident of any age who needs transportation to get their vaccination can call 844-900-4892 and use the code “Vaccinate Washtenaw” to schedule a ride. Please schedule at least 24 hours in advance, if possible.
Vaccine Coverage
In Washtenaw County, 65% of residents 16 years or older have had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 59% of those 12-64 years. See local vaccine data and statewide data.
Media Contacts
Washtenaw County Health Department: Susan Ringler Cerniglia, [email protected]
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System: Laura Blodgett, [email protected]
Michigan Medicine: Kelly Malcom, [email protected]
Eastern Michigan University: Walter Kraft, [email protected]
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