Detroit Paths Metro residents can take to get vaccinated against COVID-19

DETROIT – Monday marks the first day that people over the age of 65 and some groups of essential workers have the right to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

But there is a lot of confusion about how to get a date.

Here are several paths people can take to get the shot.

Read: Detroit’s COVID vaccine scheduling call center receives more than 100,000 in 1 day

Many people want to know where they can go to sign up for the vaccine. Unfortunately, the answer depends on where you live and where you work.

Here’s what you need to know to get started. If you are in an eligible group, there are two possible ways to get the vaccine.

The first is through the county health department where you live. Health departments will post updates on their websites as the vaccine arrives and appointments are available.

Read more: Michigan Department of Health calls for patience with COVID vaccines: “Demand is overwhelming”

These appointments will go fast, so it is important to review websites frequently.

Many counties also offer the option to sign up to receive email alerts, so you will receive an email when new appointments become available.

Some health departments will also make appointments over the phone, but you probably have the best opportunity online.

Detroit is different. City residents age 75 and older and essential workers can call 313-230-0505 to request an appointment.

A family member or friend over the age of 65 who drives someone over the age of 75 can also make an appointment to get vaccinated at this time as well.

The second way to get a vaccine is through the primary health care system that your doctor is affiliated with.

Beaumont Health, Michigan Medicine, Henry Ford Health System and others will contact patients over the age of 65 to begin scheduling vaccine appointments.

It is very important to make sure that you have an active online patient portal or my chart that is linked to your email address.

Check your email often because this is where the invitation to get vaccinated will be sent.

You can also call your doctor for information, but understand that they are overwhelmed by calls right now.

If you are an essential worker, there is a third potential path.

Many employers work with health departments and hospitals to set appointments for their employees.

Check with your employer for more information on this option. In this case, you may be able to get the vaccine in the county where you work, even if it is not the county where you live.

He number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 523,618 as of Monday, including 13,401 deaths, state officials report.

Monday’s update includes 4,536 new cases and an additional 47 deaths over the past two days.

Read even more: Continuous COVID coverage in Michigan