COVID-19 Vaccines Administered For First Time In Michigan Monday

Michigan saw its first COVID-19 vaccines administered shortly after noon on Monday at Michigan Medicine and Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, according to state health officials.

One of the first people to receive the vaccine was Marc McClelland, a 46-year-old pulmonary and critical care physician from Ada, Michigan.

“To me, this is a day of hope," he said, according to a news release distributed by the state.

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The COVID-19 vaccine recently was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospitals in Michigan — where more than 10,000 people have died due to COVID-19 related issues — are expected to begin vaccinating health care staff later this week, according to state health officials.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer thanked the state’s hospital and other health care workers for “tireless dedication, bravery and strength" in a statement Monday.

“This is a great day for our families, frontline workers, small businesses, and Michigan as a whole," she said. "Here, in the state built on innovation and grit, a safe and effective COVID vaccine is being manufactured by Michigan workers at a Michigan business. Our frontline essential hospital workers have gone above and beyond to save lives – including stepping up today to receive vaccines."

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, expressed confidence in the first approved COVID-19 vaccine.

“The significant impact of COVID-19 has led to unprecedented, worldwide collaboration among scientists, medical doctors, health and government officials, and manufacturers,” Khaldun said. “The arrival of this vaccine in Michigan signals that the end of this pandemic is near. However, it will take several months before we are able to have enough vaccine to widely distribute it to the general population. Until then, and even for individuals who receive the vaccine, we should all be doing our part to slow the spread of this virus by wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings, and washing hands.”

Vaccine doses will arrive at additional Michigan hospitals and other medical centers across the state. The first Michigan citizens to be vaccinated will be priority hospital and health care workers, and staff and residents of long-term care facilities.

Even with COVID-19 vaccinations starting in Michigan and worldwide, doctors are urging residents to continue to practice preventative measures such as properly wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing to reduce the spread of the virus until the vast majority of people have been vaccinated.