These Groups Are Next In Line To Get COVID-19 Vaccine In Michigan

First responders, senior citizens, teachers, jail and prison staff and others are next in line to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Wednesday (January 6) that officials would begin offering vaccinations to several more groups of people.

“We are pleased to move the state forward in the next stage of vaccinations,” Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said Wednesday. “These vaccines are safe and effective, and we especially want our first responders, teachers and older adults to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The strategy we are announcing today is efficient, effective, and equitable, focusing on making vaccine available to those who have the highest level of risk, whether it is because of where they work or because of their age.”

These people will be able to start getting the vaccine, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services:

• People age 65 and up
• Police and first responders
• Frontline workers
• Jail/prison staff
• Teachers and childcare

The next phase of the vaccination plan is slated to start Monday (January 11). Officials hope about 70% of residents age 16 and older will be able to receive vaccinations, WZZM noted.

“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “I urge all seniors to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and that all Michiganders make a plan to get vaccinated when it becomes available to you. And as always: mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can easily spread from person to person. We will eliminate this virus together.”

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