Good afternoon NMC community,
The COVID-19 vaccine is now being distributed throughout our region. Reaching a 70% vaccination rate of our population is the fastest way for our society to return to normal, but this vaccination process is a highly complex and rapidly evolving undertaking for public health leaders.
Right now only health departments and hospitals are distributing the vaccine. So far, the Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) has vaccinated more than 2,000 individuals in Phase 1A which includes EMS, medical first responders, healthcare workers and residents in long-term care facilities. Starting Monday, January 18 the GTCHD is planning to begin giving vaccinations at off-site clinics including a temporary clinic NMC’s Hagerty Center through at least April. Please note this information is not yet public. (More details below.)
Decisions on moving to the next phase are made at the state level, but distribution depends on vaccine availability at the county level and may vary by community. The entire vaccination process statewide may take 9-12 months. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging all residents to develop a plan to get vaccinated. Residents should know which phase they belong to and continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Michigan vaccinations phases are as follows:
- Phase 1A: Paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work from home as well as residents in long term care facilities.
- Phase 1B: Persons 65 years of age or older and frontline essential workers in critical infrastructure.
- Phase 1C: Individuals 16 years of age or older at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 infection and some other essential workers whose position impacts life, safety and protection during the COVID-19 response.
- Phase 2: Individuals 16 years of age or older.
These prioritizations may change as more information on vaccine effectiveness and additional vaccination products become available. Right now higher education employees are included in Phase 2. Unless an individual qualifies for an earlier phase, the majority of NMC employees and students will likely not qualify for the vaccine until after the spring semester.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Locally, go to www.grandtraverse.org/2394.
Great Lakes campus building access during vaccination clinics:
The schedule for next week is:
- Monday & Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Right now the vaccines will be given by appointment only. Patients are being instructed to use the main entrance to the Great Lakes campus with county employees managing the process on site. Clinic hours may vary week to week. We will keep you informed of the impact on the Great Lakes campus.
Please avoid visiting this campus during clinic times, if possible. Culinary and Maritime employees and students should use the side entrances and avoid the main entrance. The side entrances will be unlocked during the class scheduled times so students and employees can avoid using the entrance that the general public will use. We have worked to reschedule NMC classes and events at the Hagerty Center.