COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is again asking for patience from the public as scheduling for COVID-19 vaccine appointments become available to category 1B and those between 65 and 74 years old.
Officials say COVID-19 vaccine supply remains limited. If you are now eligible for vaccination, it does not mean vaccination is immediately available to you.
The C.H.A. says they are following the prioritization guidelines issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that gives priority to people with greater risk.
Any individual in category 1A who lives or works in the tri-county area that has not yet been vaccinated is encouraged to schedule their appointment.
Anyone in that category who needs assistance with getting an appointment may call (517) 279-9561, option #7.
Health Officer Rebecca Burns says in a statement issued by the C.H.A. that at least 30,000 more individuals in Branch, Hillsdale, and St. Joseph Counties are now eligible for vaccination. This includes people 65 years of age and older and front line essential workers with frequent or ongoing exposure as a part of their work. That includes first responders, police officers, jail and prison staff, pre-K-12 teachers and educational staff, and workers in childcare centers and protective services. This does not include all essential workers or other infrastructure workers.
The agency had three vaccine clinics scheduled for this week that are already completely booked. One of the clinics took place at the Dearth Center in Coldwater on Thursday. These mass vaccination clinics are by appointment only.
Appointments are only open to people who live and work in the tri-county area and can be made using the online scheduler at www.bhsj.org and clicking on the yellow banner. Individuals without access to the internet can call the agency office for assistance with scheduling at 517-279-9561 option #7. More clinics will be posted on their website as they become available.
Burns says, “As clinics open up to this new group, there will not be enough vaccine to vaccinate everyone who wants it, immediately. The vaccine is scarce and
the number of potential individuals to vaccinate in category 1B is large. Please be patient as we work to get vaccine into the arms of residents of Branch, Hillsdale, and St. Joseph counties.”
Since December 22nd, the agency has received a total of 1575 doses for the tri-county area.
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