This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed by electron microscope. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS
—Earlier this month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged that those aged 65 and over schedule vaccine appointments, although until Jan. 29, the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) will have only scheduled vaccinations for those aged 70 and over.
According to a Jan. 27 press release from the ICHD, they will begin offering appointments to seniors aged 65-69 on Friday, Jan. 29.
In a vaccination discussion panel on Wednesday, Jan. 27, Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail said that the wait was due to vaccine availability and prioritization.
"There just were not enough appointments," Vail said. "We've got some 80-, 90-, 100-year-old folks in the community, and there was certainly a sense of priority in making sure we got our most vulnerable in."
The ICHD estimates that 17,500 people have registered for appointments, but will likely have to continue waiting due to low vaccine supply. The first appointments for this age group will be made available on Feb. 9. Those that have been waiting for a link to schedule an appointment may receive a link via email in the coming weeks.
Vail encourages those who are seeking vaccination to register with multiple health care providers, such as Sparrow and McLaren, in order to receive the vaccination as soon as possible but to be sure to cancel any duplicate appointments.
To get vaccinated through the ICHD, people must complete a registration form, available on the ICHD website. People are encouraged to assist those without internet access or email with the registration and appointment process, and a hotline has been set up for those without internet access at 517-887-4623.
While the ICHD has vaccinated at least 9,400 people, an estimated 83,000 have become eligible in Ingham County. Low supply has hindered distribution to only about 2,000 people being vaccinated by the ICHD every week.
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