Protect Michigan Commission Weekly Newsletter

February 16, 2021

Last week we took a moment to celebrate that one million Michiganders received their first dose of the COVID vaccine. 

This is a significant milestone for Michigan – but we know we must work harder to ensure that at least 70% of Michigan residents age 16 and over are vaccinated by year's end. To make that happen, the Protect Michigan Commission (PMC) is committed to getting communities in every corner of the state the information they need about the vaccine.

The Protect Michigan Commission workgroups have begun meeting, planning and strategizing on how to deliver vital information about the approved COVID-19 vaccine to all Michigan communities.

The workgroups scheduled to meet this week are below. It’s not too late to join a workgroup. Please email ProtectMICommission@michigan.gov to join a workgroup today.

In case you missed it

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with technology company GetSetUp to help older adults who are experiencing challenges finding COVID-19 vaccine information online. Click here for all of the vaccine sign-up options available.

The Biden administration appointed Michigan’s own Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the MDHHS to COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.

Health care departments around the state are urging citizens to stay patient as Michigan officials work to get communities around the state the vaccinated. Read letters from the Central Michigan District Health Department, District Health Department No. 10 in West Michigan and District Health Department No. 4.

Bishop J. Drew Sheard, pastor at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit urges Black and Brown communities to get vaccinated.

Dates to Remember

Feb. 17

Tribal Nations Workgroup - 2:30 p.m.
Middle Eastern Workgroup - 4 p.m.

Feb. 18

Veterans Workgroup - 12 p.m.

Feb. 19

Healthcare Workgroup - 10 a.m.
Hispanic/Latinx Workgroup - 11 a.m.

Feb. 25

Minority Communities Town Hall - 4 p.m.

The second town hall in a series of virtual discussions, focused on questions within minority communities, 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. The event will be livestreamed at Facebook.com/MichiganHHS.

Feb. 26

Protect Michigan Commission monthly meeting

The Protect Michigan Commission will meet for the second time virtually to discuss progress made in the past month, obstacles and the work ahead of us. More details coming next week.

Take Action: Click, Save, Share

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.

Even if you’ve already been vaccinated, continue to help protect your community and mask up, Michigan. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan. 

Additional Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

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.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. The information in this document will change frequently as we learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.