Here's Who's Eligible For The COVID-19 Vaccine In Michigan Monday

MICHIGAN — Michigan enters a new phase in its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan Monday, and several Michiganders will for the first time have access to a pair of vaccines being offered in the state.

According to the most recent data offered by the state of Michigan, which was reported on Thursday, the state has distributed 725,850 total COVID-19 vaccines. That cumulative number includes 372,450 Pfizer vaccines and 353,400 Moderna vaccines, according to state data.

For some, the arrival of the vaccine can't come soon enough in Michigan, where over 519,000 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed and more than 13,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported.

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But the distribution of the vaccine has prompted issues in Michigan. In Oakland County, county executive David Coulter said the county needs more of the vaccine to meet its demand.

“Oakland County is in the early stages of administering the COVID-19 vaccine but supply is limited," he said in a statement. "Our Health Department is currently vaccinating priority 1A individuals including emergency medical personnel, healthcare workers, and residents of long-term care facilities. We look forward to expanding to the next phase which will include essential workers and residents 65 and older but ask for their patience because the number of appointments available is limited to the number of doses we have received from the state."

Similar issues have presented in Macomb County, where there are currently no available vaccines appointments because the county has already exhausted its supply, according to Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.

The first challenge is being eligible for the vaccine, however. Here is a breakdown of who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday:

People 65 and older

Initially, the phase Michigan had upgraded to beginning Monday included Michiganders who were 75 years old and up. But the state previously announced that it was adjusting that age range to include all people 65 and older.

Why? To date, 80 percent of COVID-19 deaths have occurred among those aged 65 and older, according to Michigan health officials. State health officials accelerated the implementation of vaccination of people in the 65-74 age range due to concern around disparity in life expectancy by race/ethnicity for this group, as well.

Frontline essential workers

Several groups of people considered frontline essential workers are also eligible for COVID-19 vaccines beginning Monday. The state said that list — which does not include all frontline essential workers — includes police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff.

PreK-12 Teachers and Child Care Providers

PreK-12 teachers and childcare providers also will be eligible for a pair of COVID-19 vaccines being offered in Michigan Monday.

Some Michigan education officials have lauded the state allowing teachers and childcare providers to be in a position to receive COVID vaccines.

Tina Kerr, executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators, said in a statement Wednesday that the organization is pleased Michigan educators are next in line.

"The pandemic has made it very clear just how essential educators are and protecting them against this virus must be among our top priorities as we begin the slow march toward returning to face-to-face learning for all Michigan students," said Tina Kerr, the executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cited teachers receiving COVID-19 vaccines when discussing last week her goal that every K-12 school in Michigan will at least offer in-person instruction options for students by March.