Michigan expanding vaccine distribution to people age 50 and older

(LANSING, Mich.) Starting Monday March, 8th any Michigan residents who are age 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement was made Wednesday by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Eligibility will be expanding on March 22nd, to all Michigan residents age 50 or older. "The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” said Governor Whitmer. More than 2.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have already been administered in Michigan. More than 40% of people age 65 and older have already been vaccinated in Michigan. The announcement to expand access to the vaccine comes after President Joe Biden announced that there will be enough vaccine doses for 300 million Americans by the end of May. To schedule vaccine appointments people can visit their local health department's website, or check places like Meijer, Rite Aid, or Cardinal Health. People who do not have internet access or need help with the scheduling office can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136. Michigan's goal is to vaccinate 70% of residents who are age 16 and older.