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Vaccinations underway at nursing homes

ESCANABA — COVID-19 vaccinations have begun at area nursing homes. Some local long care facilities have completed vaccination of residents. Others are making preparations for vaccinations to occur.

Bishop Noa Home Administrator Jamie LaFave said their vaccines were released in December through CVS. The distribution process went well and all residents were able to receive their vaccinations as scheduled without any problems. Boosters will be administered in the 81-bed facility 28 days after the initial doses were received.

North Woods Place Executive Director Andy Cartwright said staff will be participating in a webinar to get the distribution plan and scheduled vaccination times for the residents in the 40-apartment facility.

“No concerns at this time,” said Cartwright when asked whether he feels the distribution timeline is moving quickly enough.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility administrator Tina Koski said their vaccine shipment should arrive any day. Residents of the 130-bed facility are scheduled for vaccination on Saturday.

Escanaba’s Christian Park Village, a 59-bed facility, declined to comment.

Health care providers were also part of the first groups to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) increased the number of groups to receive the vaccine. MDHHS moved to Phase 1B in the COVID-19 vaccination efforts, vaccination opportunities for the Phase 1B Priority One group will begin the week of January 11.

Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) will hold vaccination clinics starting next week. Vaccinations will occur at the Joseph Heirman University Center (JHUC) at Bay College. Residents 65 years of age or above will need to call PHDM at (906) 217-8206 or (906) 217-8207 to schedule an appointment. No walk-ins are permitted. Presentation of valid ID to verify age will be required upon arrival.

The Phase 1B Priority Two group, which includes first responders, educators, corrections staff and child protective service workers will be contacted and scheduled through their employer for appointments.

Vaccine is limited and all appointments are contingent upon vaccine availability.

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