As distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine continues across the country, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a webpage with various vaccine resources and frequently asked questions.
RELATED: Michigan counties prepare for first doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to arrive
On Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine, you can view the prioritization guide to see the various phases of distribution. The first phase identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is Phase 1A, which includes "paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work from home, as well as residents of long-term care facilities."
Some of the most frequently asked questions listed on the State's vaccine webpage are:
Will more than one dose of COVID-19 vaccine be required?
Yes. The current vaccines need two shots to be effective. It is very important that you get both doses within the required time frame to ensure the best protection from COVID-19.
Will people who have already had COVID-19 be able to get vaccinated?
Yes. People who have had COVID-19 can still get a vaccine. CDC recommends getting it after you have recovered. You should check with your health care provider if you have questions.
Can this vaccine give me COVID-19?
No. This vaccine gives your body a code which helps it recognize the virus, so your body can fight it off in the future.
Does the vaccine have any side effects?
After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. You may experience a low-grade fever, headache, and just a general feeling of “not yourself”. These are signs that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to, which is produce an immune response for you to have protection against this disease.
When will the vaccine be available to the general public?
The vaccine will be available to the general public when supply substantially increases in 2021, possibly in late spring. Until then, priority will be given to health care providers, essential workers, and vulnerable populations (i.e., individuals 65 years of age and older and individuals 16 years of age or older with high risk medical conditions).
View the full list of FAQs below:
Covid-19 Vaccine Public FAQ by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
Visit our The Rebound Detroit, a place where we are working to help people impacted financially from the coronavirus. We have all the information on everything available to help you through this crisis and how to access it.
