City of Detroit expanding COVID vaccines to seniors, essential workers

DETROIT – As criticism of the slow rate of vaccinations has increased, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Thursday that the city would expand distribution.

• These are the nine groups of people included in the new phase of COVID vaccines in Michigan

Starting Monday, the TCF Center will begin requesting appointments for detroiters over the age of 75 and for essential “Group B” workers, which includes teachers and daycare workers.

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Group B essential workers will need to provide their employer’s name and their most recent salary to verify their eligibility.

Residents can call 313-230-0505 to make an appointment. Vaccines will begin Wednesday.

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When an appointment is scheduled, people will be provided with two appointment dates: one for the first dose and one for the second dose needed.

Call center staff will contact each scheduled person prior to their second appointment to remind them.

For greater efficiency and convenience, the city recommends that, when possible, eligible members of the same family or neighbors schedule together and arrive in the same vehicle.

On Friday, the vaccine will be made available to any Detroit police officer or DDOT bus driver who wishes.

The Detroit Department of Health plans to vaccinate all homeless shelters and apartment buildings for seniors by the end of February.

The city is working hard to prevent people sitting in long lines waiting for the vaccine.

Who is eligible to receive the vaccine at TCF?

• Any Detroit resident 75 years of age or older
• Any “good neighbor” 65 years of age or older who drives a 75-year-old child to TCF Center
• Basic group B workers, including K-12 teachers and daycare workers

Detailed information about the TCF test site can be found on the Detroit official website. As additional independent vaccination sites from pharmacies and other sites are made online in the city, a site map will be added to the website.

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