Michigan residents over 65 and some essential frontline workers can start getting vaccinated for COVID-19 starting Monday, January 11, 2021.

In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) officials announced announced that the state is moving to the next phase of the vaccination rollout.

Gov. Whitmer said in a release,

The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy. I urge all seniors to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and that all Michiganders to 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.

MDHHS has set the initial goal of vaccinating 70% of people 16 years of age and older in the state (which is approximately 5.6 million people) for COVID-19 by the end of 2021.

According to Wood TV 8, beginning Monday, Michigan "will move to Phase 1B of the rollout, which includes essential workers like police officers, first responders, state and federal employees, jail and prison staff, teachers and child care providers. The state is also opening vaccinations to Group A of Phase 1C — that includes people older than 65."

You can find a full breakdown of the strategy for vaccine prioritization for the State of Michigan here.

So what are the next steps if you are over 65 or an eligible frontline worker?

MDHHS advises that residents over 65 should visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine to find local health departments and other local vaccine clinics near them that are ready to book appointments. Eligible essential workers, teachers, and childcare workers will be notified by their employers about vaccine clinic dates and locations. The state says that those who are eligible should not go to any of the clinics without an appointment.

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