Due to the recent increase in the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, a number of Calhoun County organizations are working to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to the general public. A few places include Oaklawn Hospital, Grace Health, Meijer and Family Fare.
In order to qualify for a COVID-19 vaccination, individuals must meet a specific set of requirements. At this moment, COVID-19 vaccinations are solely offered to healthcare workers and other essential workers, nursing home residents, those who are 50 years or older and to those living with people who have special healthcare needs.
Karen Erlandson, the head of Albion College’s communication department, applied to become vaccinated as soon as she qualified for the vaccine.
“I wanted to get the vaccine as soon as possible,” said Erlandson. “The faster we can reach herd immunity, the better. I got the vaccine in Marshall as part of the Calhoun County Vaccine rollout when the age dropped to 50, and I am going to get my second dose in about a week.”
The requirements to qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine are set to broaden in the near future. Most specifically, the vaccine is soon to be offered to those who are 16 years of age or older with underlying medical conditions starting Apr. 5. This change will enable more of the general population to become vaccinated against COVID-19.
As of today, there have been over 21,000 COVID-19 vaccines given to those living in Calhoun County. Of the 18,000 COVID-19 vaccines given, 13,000 doses have been first doses and 8,000 have been second doses of the vaccine.
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