"Save Your Spot" in Line
Dear Oakland County resident,
Thank you for signing up to receive updates on the COVID-19 vaccine. We understand the urgency that everyone feels about the vaccine and the frustration that exists around the rollout. I want you to understand the current situation on the ground.
How Vaccine Distribution Works
Supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine at the local level are extremely limited. Hospital Systems and local health departments are receiving limited doses from the state. CVS and Walgreens are receiving doses from the state to vaccinate residents of nursing homes.
As improvements are made in the distribution plan by the federal government, the supply of vaccine will increase as will the number of providers. There may also be large vaccination sites established. The goal is that residents should have multiple options through which to receive a vaccine. Unfortunately, that is not the case at this time.
Oakland County Health Division Role
In the meantime, Oakland County has established five drive-through sites and can vaccinate 2,500 people a day using these sites when there is sufficient vaccine. Unfortunately, our weekly supply from the state has been 1,950 doses.
The county Health Divsion has received 7,800 doses, administered about 6,500 vaccines, and scheduled an estimated 17,000-plus first- and second-dose appointments through the end of February. This is only about 2,500 a week (what we believe to be guaranteed by the state) so as soon as we receive more doses, we will add appointments right away.
We have started a “Save Your Spot” sign-up for the vaccine. This will allow us to organize our distribution of the vaccine. When you are eligible to set an appointment and vaccine doses are available, we will contact you by phone, text, or email.
The Health Division is currently vaccinating individuals in phases 1A and 1B of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) COVID-19 vaccination plan who work or live in Oakland County.
The Health Division is following MDHHS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for prioritizing the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to individuals. According to MDHHS, those now eligible to receive the vaccine include:
- Healthcare workers
- Residents 65 years and older
- Frontline essential workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers, jail, and prison staff; and preK-12 teachers and childcare providers (Phase 1B)
In addition to frontline essential workers, there are more than 217,000 residents age 65 and older eligible to receive the vaccine in Oakland County.
The Health Division phone lines are very busy and sometimes Nurse on Call receives over 20,000 calls per day. Oakland County appreciates the public's patience. Nurse on Call is available at 800-848-5533 to answer health-related questions, make COVID-19 testing appointments, and assist those unable to complete the 'Save Your Spot' link.
Our website, OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information. You will be able to monitor the doses received, and make an appointment online once they are open.
Local Hospital Systems
We would also recommend that residents stay in touch with your local health system. Most are using their online medical chart or portal to start making appointments for their patients once they vaccinate their medical personnel.
We will continue to send out weekly updates to those that have signed up for this COVID-19 Vaccine News & Information newsletter.
We deeply appreciate your concern. The vaccine is the way for us to bring to a close the dangers of the pandemic, fully recover our economy, open our schools, and regain the normalcy of our lives. Please be assured we are doing everything we can to facilitate a system at the local level while it gets improved at the federal and state levels.
Sincerely,
Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive
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