Protect Michigan Commission weekly newsletter 2.9.21
Michigan Dept of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 02/09/2021 05:05 PM EST
Last week we told you about the formation of the Protect Michigan Commission (PMC) and its strategy to vaccinate 70% of Michigan’s residents over the age of 16.
This week we’re highlighting some of the immediate progress PMC has made as it lays the groundwork to ensure that every Michigander who wants the COVID-19 vaccine gets one, through education and empowerment.
To that end, PMC has formed workgroups that are responsible for identifying and addressing barriers that may prevent the acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine by Michigan residents. These workgroups will identify resources to assist with the statewide vaccine plan, and assist in disseminating educational information to stakeholders and community members about the vaccine.
Workgroups are scheduling meetings, but it’s not too late to join. Please send an email to ProtectMICommission@michigan.gov and specify the group you’re interested in.
February 10
- 9 a.m. Rural
February 12
- 10 a.m. Health Leaders
- 1 p.m. Disabilities
- 2 p.m. Colleges & Universities
- 3 p.m. Business Leaders
February 16
- 9 a.m. Labor & Workforce
February 18
- 12 p.m. Veterans
In Case You Missed It
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), outlined Michigan’s plan to distribute doses to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. Dr. Khaldun testified that despite the federal vaccine shortage, Michigan has made great strides and will continue to work toward vaccinating at least 70% of citizens by the end of 2021.
Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, also presented Michigan's vaccination strategy to the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee last week.
Last week, Governor Whitmer announced that Michigan crossed the 1 million dose threshold. As of February 7, we are nearing 1.3 million. This is vitally important news as we all do our part to eradicate COVID-19.
Take Action: Click, Save, Share
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Right now, we encourage you to click, save, and share both of the graphics you see in this newsletter with your networks and share far and wide in your own social channels, newsletters, and more.
Share the latest data graphic with your networks and let them know that Michigan is making progress in vaccinating its citizens.
Stop the spread of misinformation by setting the record straight about the importance of wearing a mask even after you have received the vaccine.
Visit the Vaccine Communications Toolkit for even more social media, digital, print, radio and video resources you can use to support the COVID-19 response.
Identify volunteers in your organization or personal networks willing to promote positive, accurate, and credible vaccine information, and help us identify and report misinformation on social media, news media, and more by sending an email with any false or misleading news to ProtectMICommission@michigan.gov.
Must Watch
In times like these, it's important to believe in each other and do all we can to stop COVID-19. Wash your hands, wear a mask, watch your distance, and get the vaccine when it becomes available to you.
They have survived the unthinkable. And with the help of Jewish Family Service and the Oakland County Health Department, more than 150 holocaust survivors got the help they needed to outlast this pandemic: a vaccination clinic just for them.
Watch a vaccination site in Grand Traverse County take shape from site drawings to distributing the vaccine.
February Town Hall
Recognizing that Michigan residents have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, the State of Michigan is hosting the next in a series of community town halls, this time addressing concerns within minority communities.
The second virtual discussion will be held on Thursday, February 25 from 4 to 5 p.m., livestreamed at Facebook.com/MichiganHHS. This builds upon the first virtual conversation with faith-based leaders, about the safety, efficacy and importance of the COVID-19 vaccines for safely reopening Michigan. In the following months, Michigan will also host additional town halls in partnership with public health and community leaders.
In order to reach community-wide immunity that can protect others who cannot get vaccinated, about 70% of Americans need to get the COVID-19 vaccine. White Americans make up about 60% of the U.S. population so even if every White resident took the vaccine, the U.S. would still fall short of the percentage needed for community-wide protection. Additionally, Latinos make up about 18% of the U.S. population, and studies suggest that roughly a third of Latinos are vaccine hesitant.
Additional Resources
Vaccination data will be updated Monday - Saturday from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).
COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Guidance
This guidance outlines the strategy for vaccine prioritization for the State of Michigan and will be used by MDHHS, as well as public health and health care, as they allocate and administer vaccines.
Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. The information in this document will change frequently as we learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.