ESCANABA — Local health officials have released a timeline indicating when local residents can expect the COVID-19 vaccine to be available to them. Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties cautioned that the timeline is an estimate and could be impacted by a number of factors.

The timeline indicated persons in priority group A should have vaccinations available from now through mid-January, Residents in priority group B will be vaccinated from mid-January to the end of that month. Persons in priority group C should be vaccinated in mid-February. The end of March/early April will mark Phase 2 — a mass vaccination campaign for all those over the age of 16 not previous immunized.

COVID-19 vaccine has been distributed to many provider organizations across Michigan and will continue to be distributed and received as supply allows, health officials said.

There are currently two brands of COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use in the United States. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in people 16 years of age and older. Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in people 18 years of age and older. Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) encourages everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when it is available for them. In consideration of limited supply, COVID-19 vaccine distribution must follow strict guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in order to ensure those with the most critical need receive vaccination first.

The roll out phases and estimated starting times for each phase of the COVID-19 vaccination process in the Upper Peninsula are:

Health officials said it is important to be aware that:

– These time frames of availability are strictly estimates and are entirely dependent upon vaccine supply and distribution to your local vaccine providers. As such, time frames of availability are subject to change.

– Those individuals included in each phase may change based on additional information and guidance from national and state experts.

– Public service announcements will be widely distributed prior to the start of each phase.

– Local health departments and healthcare providers will provide instructions on how to access vaccine.

– Vaccination allocation within Michigan varies in quantity by region, and within regions, based upon metrics determined by MDHHS. As such, the quantity of vaccine available within the Upper Peninsula may vary by local health department jurisdiction. As a result, it is possible for one area to be slightly ahead of another in moving through the vaccination phases within their region.

Timeline estimates regarding when the COVID-19 vaccine may be available to you are:

– December and January- in progress; given by various hospital and health department personnel

Phase 1a Priority One: Keep critical health care infrastructure open and functioning (i.e., hospitals, critical care units, and emergency medical response systems)

– December and January- largely given by CVS and Walgreens with some facilities given by health department personnel

1A Priority Two: Prevent outbreaks and protect residents in long-term care facilities (nursing homes).

– Mid-January; given by various hospital and health department personnel, with additional providers receiving vaccine

1A Priority Three: health care infrastructure not included in Phase 1a Priority One –clinics, dentists, pharmacies, etc.

– Mid to end of January – done by multiple vaccination providers from this point forward

Phase 1b Frontline Essential Workers and those age 75 and older. Front line essential workers are those that interact with the public and whose jobs cannot be performed from home. Examples: firefighters, law enforcement; education sector (teachers, support staff, daycare); corrections workers; grocery store workers; public transit workers; food & agriculture; manufacturing; United States Postal Service employees

– Mid-February 1c Priority Group: age 65-74; those aged 16*-64 with medical problems which increase their risk of severe illness from COVID; other essential workers (non- frontline essential workers).

*Moderna COVID-19 is not authorized for use in individuals under 18 years of age at this time.

Persons over the age of 16 with the following conditions that are at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death from the virus that causes COVID-19: Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Heart conditions, Immunocompromised states, Obesity , Pregnancy, Sickle cell disease, Smoking, Type 2 diabetes mellitus

– End of March/early April Phase 2 is a mass vaccination campaign for all those over the age of 16not previous immunized. Moderna COVID-19 is not authorized for use in individuals under 18 years of age at this time.