LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says it’s collaborating with community partners to ensure anyone can sign up to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to them.
That’s because residents have varying degrees of technology access and understanding, especially seniors 65 and older, according to a news release Friday.
“Our goal is to ensure that every eligible Michigander who wants a vaccine will get one,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We know that residents across Michigan have different needs when it comes to access, so we’re partnering with groups like local health departments, hospitals, pharmacies and 2-1-1 to provide multiple access points for signing up for a vaccine.”
Residents may visit Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine website for information about vaccine eligibility, safety information and clinic locations.
Those who don’t have access to the internet or who struggle to use a computer can also call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136, which is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Local health departments and hospitals across the state have created sign-ups, interest forms and waitlists and will contact residents to schedule appointments as supply allows.
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Residents can also contact additional vaccination sites as they start to come online, such as local pharmacies like Meijer and others.
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2-1-1 has also partnered with the state to help direct local residents that do not have reliable internet access to vaccination clinics.
“Just as many other local, state and federal systems have adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2-1-1 has been working collaboratively with the state of Michigan to help residents across the state with testing, emotional support and now the vaccine rollout,” said Hassan Hammoud, executive director of 2-1-1. “We recognize that residents, especially seniors, need additional supports so that we can safely return to normalcy – and we’re proud to play a part in making a future without COVID-19 a reality for Michigan.”
Beyond scheduling appointments, MDHHS also recently announced a partnership with national education technology company GetSetUp.
Through this partnership, the MDHHS Aging & Adult Services Agency is offering a series of sessions to walk older Michiganders through the state’s COVID-19 website.
The goal is to help older residents who are eligible for the vaccine find their local health department to register online for a vaccine appointment or to be added to the waitlist.
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