COVID Vaccine Information for Patients

gloved hands drawing a syringe from a vial of COVID-19 Vaccine

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently approved the rollout of COVID vaccines to patients age 65 and older plus certain groups of essential workers. Because public interest is high and supply of available vaccines is still very limited, all available appointments at MidMichigan Health locations are currently full. We appreciate your patience and will continue to add more clinics as additional supply becomes available. Please do not call the hospital or your doctor's office to schedule an appointment as we will continue to reach out to eligible patients in an orderly fashion, based on supply.

We are also working on enabling more scheduling options, including online self-scheduling and a patient call center, that will enable patients to more quickly schedule appointments once additional supply becomes available.

In the meantime, patients may use the following information to determine their eligibility and to learn more about some special medical considerations that may impact the timing of your appointment.

Step 1: Verify whether you meet the current vaccination criteria

The following groups are eligible as part of Phase 1B, Groups A and B plus Phase 1C, Group A:

  • Age 65 or older

  • Pre-Kindergarten through high school teachers, support staff and child care workers who usually have direct contact with children

  • First responders not covered in Phase 1A (e.g., firefighters, police, conservation officers, inspectors)

  • Corrections workers (e.g., staff in prisons, jails, juvenile justice facilities)

  • Workers in homeless shelters, congregate child care institutions, and adult and child protective services

These phases are defined in MDHHS's Vaccination Prioritization Guidance document.

Step 2: Special Medical Considerations

If you have any of these conditions, please read before receiving a COVID vaccination as these conditions may impact the timing of your appointment:

  1. Cancer, Rheumatology or Immune Disorders - Consult your specialist before scheduling a COVID vaccine appointment to learn how the vaccine may impact your immune response and/or some medications you may be taking.
  2. Received Antibody Treatments for COVID-19 - Based on current recommendations, patients should wait 90 days after receiving monoclonal antibody (BAM) or convalescent plasma treatment before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
  3. Other Recent Vaccinations such as Hepatitis B, Shingles, Influenza or Tetanus - Patients should wait 14 days after receiving other vaccinations before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
  4. Prior History of COVID-19 - Patients will need to wait at least 10 days after diagnosis and be symptom free and out of quarantine before receiving the vaccine. They may want to wait up to 90 days based on current evidence suggesting they may be protected for up to 90 days.

More information about the above conditions is also in the Frequently Asked Questions.

If Clinics Fill Up, Don't Panic!

If you don't get an appointment right away, don't panic - you haven't missed out! We will be adding more clinics as we get additional supply. You may also visit your County Health Department's website or check with your employer for more options.

ATTENTION: New Visitor Restrictions

Cartoon of masked visitors entering a hospital building

For the health and safety of all, MidMichigan Health is temporarily limiting access to its facilities to only patients, identified and approved support persons, staff and essential vendors. As with current practice, those entering a MidMichigan facility must first screen negative for symptoms of respiratory infection, and wear a mask for the duration of their stay.

View Visitor Restrictions

New Chapter of Hope Begins with Arrival of Vaccine

MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland, staff member, AJ Schafer, R.N., a medical ICU nurse, receives the Pfizer vaccine today.

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020 marked a new chapter of hope when the COVID-19 vaccine was delivered to our medical center in Midland. The first to receive the vaccine was AJ Schafer, R.N., a medical ICU nurse, followed by the members of the health system’s vaccination team. A series of employee and provider clinics will be held in Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Midland, Mt. Pleasant and West Branch, beginning with those who work in Emergency Departments, ICU, EMS, medical and COVID floors. In the coming weeks additional employee groups will be vaccinated based on the health system’s prioritization process.

“Our goal is to encourage people to receive the vaccine so we can help end this pandemic," said Lydia Watson, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president, MidMichigan Health. "We believe in the vaccine and the science behind it. We encourage you to educate yourself about the vaccine and recommend getting the vaccine when it is offered to you.”

Midland Alpena Clare Gladwin Gratiot Mt. Pleasant West Branch

More About COVID Vaccine

Heart and Vascular Center Now Open

Construction of MidMichigan Health's new Heart and Vascular Center is now complete, consolidating all of MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland’s heart and vascular physician offices and specialty clinics. It also houses cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services and streamlines access to cardiovascular testing, interventional and surgical heart and vascular services. The Center was designed to provide coordinated holistic care in a calm, healing environment with indoor healing gardens, areas for quiet reflection, and an atrium-style lobby.

Heart and Vascular Center

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Urgent Care Wait Times

If you have COVID-19 symptoms please call before coming to Urgent Care so we may safely care for you. Or call your primary care provider to schedule a video visit.

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