LANSING — Michigan announced Wednesday that all people age 50 to 64 can start getting COVID-19 vaccinations on March 22, while those in that group with medical conditions can begin being immunized next week.

It is the largest expansion of eligibility since Jan. 11, when state officials allowed vaccinations of seniors 65 and older and front-line workers such as teachers. The announcement came a day after President Joe Biden said the U.S. expects to take delivery of enough coronavirus vaccine for all adults by the end of May, two months earlier than expected.

Starting Monday, two new priority groups will be eligible: people 50 or older with medical conditions or disabilities, and caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs.

More than 40% of Michiganders age 65 and older have gotten at least one shot.

“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines to protect you, your family and your community.”

The LMAS District Health Department — which serves Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft counties — was quick to announce individuals age 50 and older with underlying medical conditions who live within one of the counties in its service area can now be added to waitlists within its area. Family members and guardians who care for children with special medical needs are also able to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, those who are over the age of 60 regardless of their medical status are also eligible for vaccination.

LMAS, Mackinac Straights Hospital, Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, Munising Memorial Hospital, and Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital have all reached the majority of those age 65 and over and those in the priority groups eligible for vaccination as part of phase 1B.

To get on an LMAS area waitlist, visit www.lmashd.org and click on either “Age 60+ in Luce, Mackinac, or Alger County” or “Age 50+ With Underlying Conditions,” depending on your classification.

Residents can also sign up for appointments at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital by calling 906-341-3775 or use the online appointment scheduler at https://signup.com/go/hvsOZXi.

“We are so grateful for the response from area residents in wanting to get the COVID vaccine, this is such an important step in protecting individuals from serious COVID illness or death,” LMAS said in Wednesday’s press release. “We do not yet have a clear picture of whether those vaccinated can spread COVID-19 to others, so even when you are fully vaccinated, you need to continue to properly wear a cloth face covering (fully covering your mouth and nose), stay home when you don’t feel well, get tested, maintain distance, wash your hands, and limit your gatherings to no more than 15 people from three households. Also, if LMAS contacts you, and instructs you to isolate or quarantine, please follow those instructions.”

Anyone who requires assistance with setting up an appointment in any of the LMAS counties may also call LMAS offices Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The health department can be reached at 906-387-2297 for Alger County; 906-293-5107 for Luce County; or 906-643-1100 for Mackinac County. You may also reach the department through its Facebook page via Messenger at www.facebook.com/LMASDHD.

Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties has also recently opened up online appointments, however appointments may be limited. To schedule an appointment in either Delta or Menominee counties, visit phdm.org.