Tag Archives: vaccine

Kent County Health Department now offering vaccines to children 5 to 11

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention granting emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, the Kent County Health Department has announced it is making vaccination appointments for children in those age ranges.

In addition to the appointments, extended clinic hours at all locations will be held Nov. 9 and 16 from 8 – 11:45 a.m. and from 12:45 to 6:45 p.m. Appointments can be made for all three KCHD clinic locations during regular business hours by calling 616-632-7200.

A parent or legal guardian is required to attend the vaccination appointment or send an attestation form with an adult who is at least 18-years-old, stating they are legally allowed to sign on behalf of any minor child for the vaccine. This adult should be familiar with the medical history of the child.

The new children’s vaccine from Pfizer and its partner BioNTech is now available at the Kent County Health Department. (KCHD)

“We are tremendously excited to be able to provide this next wave of vaccines to younger children,” said KCHD Immunizations Supervisor Mary Wisinski. “We have seen an increase in the number of children being infected with COVID-19 since this summer. This vaccine not only protects them, but it will help slow the transmission of the disease in our community. Vaccinating just one has the potential to save many lives.”

According to Michigan Department of Human Health and Services, COVID cases among 10-19-year-olds remain high at about 515 daily cases. The Kent County Health Department has tracked the age groups more aligned with vaccination eligibility. The 5-11-year-old age group made up 11.7 percent of the county’s cases in the month of October. The same group made up about 7.3 percent of the county cases in the April/May months. The revise has happened to the 12-18 age group which made up 13.3 percent of the county cases in April/May but accounted for 9.7 percent of the county cases in October. COVID vaccines were approve by the CDC for 12-15 year-olds in May.

Like the adult version, the vaccine for 5-11-year-olds entrails two shots of a vaccine, given at least three weeks apart. However, the dose is approximately a third of what adults received. Also, different packaging will be used to guard against mix-ups and smaller needles will likely be used.

 

Among its findings during clinical testing, the U.S. food and Drub Administration found that the Pfizer vaccine was 90.7 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in children 5 to 11. The vaccine safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children aged 5 to 11 with no serious side effects detected in the ongoing study. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use in children ages 5 to 11.

To help with questions about the vaccine, the Health Department has released a video featuring local physicians answering the most frequently asked questions regarding vaccines and children ages 5-11. Among those physicians was Dr. Ronald Grifka, the chief medical officer for the University of Michigan – West, which has its hospital facility in the City of Wyoming. (The video is posted above.)

“The vaccine has been tested with 100,000 people. It is very safe,” Grifka said in the video about the vaccine. “A few people have gotten muscle aches, pains, chills. A few people have had swelling of the heart, very minor, very transient. It has not lasted long and they have all recovered. So again the vaccine is much, much, much safer than the risk of getting COVID and the long term manifestations of a COVID infection.”

The Kent County current school mask mandate will expire 60 days after the date COVID-19 vaccine is authorized or approved an available to person in pre-kindergarten through grade six or the infection rate is classified as “low” by the CDC for at least seven consecutive days.

For more information or for clinic locations, visit vaccinatewestmi.com.

Harvest of Justice luncheon to honor clinic that vaccinated 500 migrant workers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, Our Cities, , ,
A member of the Migrant Legal Aid staff gets a vaccine. (Supplied)

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

A Sparta health clinic that went above and beyond the call of duty to vaccinate West Michigan farm workers will be honored at Migrant Legal Aid’s annual Harvest of Justice Luncheon this month.

The event, designed to share client success stories with donors and the community, will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the Eberhard Center on GVSU’s downtown campus.

Clinics held at the Mercy Health Physician Partners office in Sparta last March vaccinated more than 500 migrant workers against COVID-19, according to Mary Bennett, CFO Of Migrant Legal Aid.

The clinic did an exemplary job organizing its vaccination site so farm workers could get in and out quickly without standing around waiting, according to Teresa Hendricks, executive director of the organization. 

“It was an incredible logistical feat,” she said.

Migrant Legal Aid, a nonprofit that advocates for migrant workers’ rights, has assisted at several vaccination clinics in hopes of getting as many of the workers vaccinated as possible. The state doesn’t keep numbers on how many farm workers have been vaccinated for the virus, Hendricks said, but Migrant Legal Aid has assisted with vaccinating 625 people so far.

They’re not done with the work yet, and they hope to persuade more migrant workers to get the vaccine through a video recently produced by WKTV. In both English and Spanish, the video dispels common myths surrounding the vaccine and presents the facts. Appearing on the video are Spanish-speaking doctors who have gotten the vaccine themselves.

“We realized a peer-to-peer video speaking about the importance of it was going to be key,” Hendricks said.

(Right) Mirgrant Legal Aid Executive Director Teresa Hendricks shows off her vaccine shot with a staff member. (Supplied)

The video will be shared on Migrant Legal Aid’s website and YouTube channel along with other social media sites. It will also go out to listservs (a mailing list) for other migrant providers, Hendricks said.

The video can also be used at migrant camps, where Migrant Legal Aid staff can show it on an iPad when they’re visiting, Hendricks said. At future vaccination clinics, they can have it playing on a loop while people wait to get their shots.

The Harvest of Justice luncheon is an important event to spread the word about what Migrant Legal Aid does, Bennett said. In addition to the award presentation, the luncheon will feature highlights of the work the organization has done over the past year.

“We have table hosts we ask to bring guests who might not be familiar with our program and what we do. That grows the community awareness as well as our donor base. Most of them, after they hear what we do, are eager to help,” she said.

Last year’s luncheon was held online at the WKTV studio due to the pandemic. The online version got a wide audience and raised the interest of people who are excited to come in person this year, Bennett said.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Charlie LeDuff, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and investigative journalist.

 

In his research for articles about farm workers, LeDuff has embedded himself with migrants crossing the border and working in the fields in California to see what they go through. He nearly died while crossing the border during his investigative reporting, Hendricks said.

Tickets to the luncheon are free, but there will be an “ask” for donations, Bennett said. For tickets, go to www.migrantlegalaid.org.

Area pastors show love by getting the COVID vaccine

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Area pastors line up to get the COVID-19 shot at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic. (supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Leaders from 50 Kent County congregations volunteered to roll up their sleeves last week to show their communities they are walking the talk on the COVID vaccine front, each getting “a shot of love” at West Michigan Vaccination Clinic at DeVos Place, which is a collaborative effort of Kent County, Spectrum Health, Mercy Health and Vaccinate West Michigan.

“Whatever your faith tradition, the principle of love thy neighbor is pretty consistent across centuries,” said Pastor Charlie Selmon, Jr. of Wellspring Church. “Getting a vaccine, just like wearing a mask, is about showing love for ourselves, our neighbors, our elders, and our children. It is about protecting the sanctity of human life.”

This Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force will ve sting a COVID-19 Vaccine Rally and Registration Drive. The event will take place at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 510 Franklin St. SE. The purpose of the rally is encourage resident in high priority zip codes based on COVID-19 incidents and other socially vulnerable index factors are registered to receive the vaccine.

Local pastors roll up their sleeves to get their shots and encourage others to do so. (Supplied)

At 4 p.m., more than 200 volunteers will canvass select census tracts in the 49507 zip code going door-to-door to ensure that every adult resident has the opportunity to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This is the first of 10 scheduled drives across Kent County to help ensure that the most vulnerable members are vaccinated. Those attending must follow the instructions of the medical safety team and adhere to the safety guidelines of local state and national health departments.

“As a physician, and as someone who has lost loved ones to COVID-19, I urge you to consider getting the vaccine as a way to help us defeat this deadly virus,” wrote TaLawnda Bragg, MD, attending physician at Spectrum Health. In the recent blog post, she said, “I am eager to do whatever I can to help halt the scourge of this virus in our community.”

 

Until now, access to the vaccine has been limited to essential workers and select, high-risk demographics. With the national supply of vaccines expanding quickly, outreach to the broader community is underway. Starting April 5, the vaccine will be offered to all Michiganders age 16 and older according to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In Kent County more than 86,885 residents or 16.8% of the population have been vaccinated.

“Over 2.7 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we are well on our way to vaccinating 70% of Michiganders age 16 and up,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We will continue to focus our efforts on removing barriers to access for our most vulnerable to exposure and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. These vaccines are the way we are going to end this.”

According to Kent County Health Department’s Administrative Health Officer, Dr. Adam London, “faith leaders have been providing essential counseling and care for vulnerable people throughout this pandemic; they are now also helping us as volunteers. Their level of commitment and support for our community has been extraordinary.”

This Tuesday, the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force will be hosting the first of many Vaccine Rally and Registration Drives. (Supplied)

Local faith leaders expect enthusiastic participation at vaccine sites in the weeks ahead.

“We understand in the 21st century that individual health and public health go hand in hand,” said Rev. Khary Bridgewater, Coordinator of the Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force. “Faith leaders know that we must protect the individual health of our most vulnerable citizens if we all want to share the blessings of a healthy community.” 

Kent County Health Dept. warns of increase in COVID-19 positivity rate

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Kent Count Health Department encourages those on the list to pre-register for the vaccine. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

On the heals of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s warning of increase COVID cases, he Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is alerting the community to the reality that COVID-19 cases, positivity rate and hospitalizations are all increasing within the county.

 

Over the past week, the average number of new Kent County cases per day has increased from approximately 75 to more than 100, including the 178 which were reported on March 17. The county’s positivity rate has increased to 5.4 percent after two months of a four percent rate. Local hospitals are also reporting an increase in COVID-19 inpatient admissions. These increases reflect trends being observed in many other parts of Michigan and around the world.

 

“It is critically important for everyone to remember that the arrival of coronavirus variants and prematurely relaxed attitudes about COVID-19, put our community in grave danger of a resurgence in cases and deaths,” said Kent County Health Department Administrative Health Officer, Dr. Adam London. “Our county has already lost at least 656 residents to this pandemic. We do not want to see anyone else lose their life, especially when we are so near to the end of this pandemic.” 

COVID cases are on the rise in Kent County. (FDA.gov)

Public health and healthcare officials urge people to continue adhering to the prevention strategies which have been proven to reduce transmission:

  • 1)  wear facial coverings in public places,
  • 2)  stay home if you are not feeling well,
  • 3)  avoid large social gatherings, and
  • 4)  practice good hand washing.


The KCHD is also encouraging residents to be prepared to get vaccinated as soon as an opportunity is available. To date, 28.1 percent of Kent County’s population has received at least one dose of vaccine. Approximately 70 percent of our residents aged 65 or older have received at least one dose and the number of cases in that age group has been cut in half. The approved vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have shown themselves to be safe and effective. The KCHD, Spectrum Health, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and many other partners anticipate the volume of vaccine allocated to our area to increase dramatically between now and the end of May. 

The Health Department continues to vaccinate healthcare workers, first responders, K-12 educators, childcare providers, congregate care workers, all people aged 65 and older, people aged 50 and older with underlying health conditions, caregivers and guardians of children with special healthcare needs, and uniquely vulnerable/underserved populations of people. All people aged 50 and older will become officially eligible on March 22, but Health Department officials encourage them to pre-register now. 

At this time, the Health Department are also strongly encouraging other people in category 1B to pre-register. This group includes people who, by the nature of their business, work in close proximity to other people in the workplaces of food and agriculture, critical manufacturing, public transit, grocery stores, postal service, civil service, utilities, and other critical infrastructure. Appointments will generally be made according to vulnerability and phase status. Pre-registered persons in upcoming Michigan Department of Health and Human Services phases may be scheduled early depending on vaccine availability. 

Volunteers sought for West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, can get vaccine if accepted

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The West Michigan Vaccine Clinic is seeking volunteers. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Hoping to push yourself up in the line for the COVID vaccine? Well the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place maybe able to help.

The Clinic, which is operated by Kent County, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health in collaboration with Vaccinate West Michigan, is seeking community volunteers in non-clinical roles to support the vaccine clinic.

According to officials, when the vaccine is available for the clinic to open at full capacity, approximately 150 volunteers are needed per 4-hour shift. Volunteers may assist with greeting clinic attendees, providing directional assistance, escorting attendees who need help, sanitizing and organizing supplies, performing temperature checks and more. Volunteers need not have prior healthcare experience.

To begin the volunteer process, community members ages 18 and older are asked to complete this survey with Kent County Emergency Management, which is partnering to assist with volunteer management at the clinic. Additionally, volunteers must not have any felonies or misdemeanors within the last ten years, have a valid driver’s license with no suspensions in the past five years, and not had a fever or symptoms of the COVID-19 virus for at least 14 days prior to volunteering. The survey will include authorization for a routine background check. Upon completion, eligible volunteers will receive a confirmation email and instructions for signing up for available shifts.

“Vaccinating our community is a huge undertaking. Just as our organizations are working together, we believe that the West Michigan spirit in so many of our community members will draw people to this volunteer opportunity,” said Dr. Adam London, administrative health officer at the Kent County Health Department. “We are all in this together, and we believe the COVID-19 vaccine provides great hope for us to be able to return to normal and enjoy being with our families and friends again.”

Volunteers who sign a commitment promising at least  20 hours of service  at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic will become eligible for vaccination as a health care volunteer and part of critical infrastructure. These vaccinations will be made as soon as reasonably possible given the limitations of available vaccine supply and clinic schedule.

Volunteers will not receive pay for their time or travel; however, they will receive free parking in designated nearby parking structures and light refreshments will be provided.

Volunteers will receive training for their role immediately prior to their shift. Also, all volunteers will be required to wear a mask for their entire shift and must complete the CDC Facilities COVID-19 screening survey within four hours prior to the start of their shift.

Clinicians who are interested in volunteering are invited to complete the survey and may serve as general support volunteers. At this time, clinical roles are being staffed through partnering healthcare organizations and healthcare education partners. Should clinical volunteer shifts become available, clinical volunteers may be contacted with opportunities to fulfill such assignments.

As vaccine clinics expand and open within all west Michigan counties and with a focus on historically underserved communities, additional volunteer opportunities will arise here and with other vaccine providers.

For more information, click here.

SpartanNash pharmacies prepare to administer COVID vaccine

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsam
joanne@wktv.org

As part of its continued efforts to ensure the well-being and safety of its family of associates, customers and communities during the coronavirus pandemic, SpartanNash has partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with state programs in all states the company operates in, to offer the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with the nationwide rollout plan.

The vaccine will be administered at no cost to patients and will be available at each of SpartanNash’s 88 company-owned pharmacies, such as Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Family Fresh Market, and Forest Hills Foods. SpartanNash operates stores in Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Store guests may sign up to be notified when the vaccine is available at their nearest SpartanNash pharmacy atshopfamilyfare.com/covid19vaccine.

“With multiple COVID-19 vaccinations approved and ready for broad distribution in the coming months, SpartanNash and our family of retail pharmacies are here for our store guests, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, clean environment to receive this important vaccine,” EVP and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Lori Raya said. “Our pharmacists have and will continue to play an important role in the fight against the coronavirus, providing critical care for the communities we serve. You can trust us to provide safe access to the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.”

To ensure the safety of both store guests and pharmacists as well as the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, customers will schedule an appointment and complete a health screening prior to receiving the vaccination. These measures ensure low wait times and appropriate social distancing efforts, as well as allowing customers to receive their second dose in a timely manner.

 

During the scheduled vaccination appointment, the pharmacist will administer a contact-free temperature reading, and both the pharmacist and the customer will be required to wear a medical grade face mask, provided by SpartanNash as an additional safety measure.

Following the COVID-19 vaccination, customers will be visually monitored by the SpartanNash pharmacist who administered the vaccine for a brief period of time.


Select SpartanNash pharmacies in Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota also offer free COVID-19 testing.

To maximize access to COVID-19 vaccines for all Americans, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the U.S. government’s partnerships with large chain pharmacies and networks that represent independent pharmacies and regional chains. Through the partnership with pharmacy chains, this program covers approximately 60 percent of pharmacies throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For all of SpartanNash’s ongoing efforts, visit: spartannash.com/spartannash-coronavirus-updates.

West Michigan Vaccine Clinic up and running, seven bus lines drop near DeVos Place

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People wait to get the COVID vaccine at West Michigan Vaccine Clinic. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The new West Michigan Vaccine Clinic is up and running and within the first day vaccines about 800, according to officials.

The new venture, which is a partnership between Spectrum Health, Kent County Health Department, Mercy Health St. Mary’s, the new clinic is designed to provide a central location to area residents with the goal of vaccinating up to 20,000 people a day.

Currently, clinic is vaccinating to the amount of vaccine that is made available. For the first week, the hope is to vaccinate 8,500 people, according to Spectrum Health Public Relations Corporate Manager Ellen Bristol.

 

One of the concerns has been parking, which according to Spectrum Health Chief Operating Officer Brian Brasser, who is overseeing the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, said people can park below the facility with the first two hours of parking waived. This will be enough time for a person to go through the line and receive the vaccine, Brasser said.

 

This week, The Rapid announced it has several bus routes that provide service to or near DeVos Place.

The routes with direct service is Lake Line, Silver Line, Route 11, and DASH North.

 

Bus routes that have stops near DeVos Place are Route 9 (Alpine), Route 13 (Michigan/Fuller) and DASH West.

Also, GO! Bus riders can call to schedule a ride to DeVos Place at 616-454-6141.

To view bus schedules and plan a trip, visit ridetherapid.org or call 616-776-1100 with questions. 

Health Department partners with two hospitals for vaccine clinic at DeVos Place

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,
DeVos Place will be the home of the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic. (Public Domain)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“No one wants to stick it to you more than the Kent County Health Department,” said the department’s public relations director Steve Kelso after a Friday afternoon press conference.

And that is fairly obvious as the press conference was to announce a new cooperative between the Health Department, Mercy Health and Spectrum Health to host a central community vaccination site. the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Scheduling is now taking place at the new location with it being open on Monday, Jan. 25.

The West Michigan Vaccine Clinic will be by appointment only. Area residents are encouraged to register by visiting wmvaccineclinic.org. For those unable to register online, they may call 833-755-0696. According to Spectrum Health Chief Operating Officer Brian Brasser, who will be overseeing the clinic, when vaccines are available, registered participants will be notified to make an appointment.

Kent County Health Director Dr. Adam London at today’s virtual press conference announcing the new West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place. (WKTV)

Those coming for appointments will be directed to park in the underground parking and will have the first two hours of their parking waved, which according Brasser, will be enough time for the person to go through the vaccine process.

Funded currently by the three organizations, Kent County Health Department Director Adam London said the location was chosen because it is convenient for a large number of area residents, with the organizations hoping to deliver about 20,000 vaccines a day.

Due to “kinks” in the supply chain delivery, the facility will start by administrating around 7,000 doses.

“In reality, it is always better to start out lower than your expectations to help work out the efficiency,” said Spectrum Health President Darryl Elmouchi at the press conference.

London, Elmouchi, and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s President Hyung Kim all acknowledged the frustration over getting appointments due to delivery issues. London said the Health Department will not make appointments for vaccines it does not have.

“The demand is high and we are trying to do our best,” Elmouchi said. The Kent County Health Department will administered and has scheduled 8,000 doses, according to London with plans to administer 3,000 doses about every week. Kim reported that Mercy Health has distributed 14,000 of its 15,000 vaccine doses. Spectrum Health, which is covering the southwest lake area up to Ludington, has administered about 43,000 vaccines with another 30,000 scheduled, according to Elmouchi. The population of Kent County is around 660,000.

Creating a cooperative partnership and providing a centralized location that will allow for thousands to receive the vaccine should help the West Michigan area get an increase in vaccine supply.

“This is what the state is looking for,” Elmouchi said, adding that the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic is what state officials want to help with getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

The partnership allows the three organizations to pool resources for staffing and other needs when it comes to getting people vaccinated, Kim said. The clinic also will provide a safe and comfortable environment that is dedicated to the vaccine process, London said.

Representatives for Spectrum Health and Mercy Health St. Mary stated that the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic would be in addition to current vaccine clinics being offered by those organizations. London said the Health Department plans to move its community operation to the DeVos site and focus on targeting specific or underserved areas.

London also noted that the University of Michigan Health – Metro Health will not be partnering in this project. but is focusing on offering more availability to those on the southwest side where its main facility is located.

For more information about the clinic, how to schedule an appointment or if you are eligible for the vaccine, visit wmvaccineclinic.org.

Administration of COVID vaccine has started, Catholic bishops release statement on vaccine

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
Video courtesy Kent County Health Department

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“I feel awesome,” declared Mary Wisinski, the first person at the Kent County Health Department to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Distribution of the Pfizer vaccine is underway with the Kent County Health Department administering its first vaccine on Friday, Dec. 18, to Wisinski, the the department’s immunization program supervisor.

“This is an incredible day,” she said. “we’ve been working so hard to battle this virus, and some days, it felt like it got the best of us. This isn’t one of those days. This gives us hope — we’re going to beat this.”

Because Wisinski will lead the health department’s team of immunization nurses in administering the vaccine, she was among the first group deemed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to receive the vaccine.

“Stay Positive, Stay Heroic, Stay Healthy” is what the sticker from the Kent County Health Department says. (Photo courtesy Kent County Health Department)

The Kent County Health Department received 1,950 doses on Dec. 17 and will be administering those doses to individuals in the highest risk groups. which also includes Kent County area medical first responders.

Area Hospitals, such as Metro Health — University of Michigan Health, also began administering doses to its frontline healthcare workers. Metro Health began on Friday.

The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses that are administered 21 days apart. Most agencies, such as the Kent County Health Department, will receive its second does within three weeks.

Vaccines receive support

Both the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last week, received support from seven Catholic bishops in Michigan included Most Rev. David J. Walkowiak, Bishop of Grand Rapids.

The statement, which can be found at the Diocese of Grand Rapids website, states “It is morally permissible to receive the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. Neither of these vaccines have used cell lines originated in tissue taken from aborted babies in their deign, development and production. However, both Pfizer and Moderna vaccine did use such a cell line in the confirmatory testing. This connection to the abortion is very remote, however, it is important to keep in mind that there are varying levels of responsibility. Greater moral responsibility lives with the researchers than with those who receive the vaccine.”

The statement goes on that the Congregation for Doctrine of Faith indicates that it is morally permissible to be vaccinated if there are not alternatives and there are serious health risks as in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

For the full statement, click here.

Tracking the availability of the vaccine

As part of a consortium of West Michigan health departments and other health organizations, the Kent County Health Department announced the site VaccinateWestMI.com. The site is designed to provide information about vaccine availability, local distribution plans, safety and efficacy, and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

Metro Health begins employee COVID-19 vaccinations

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health started distributing the Pfizer vaccine this morning. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

At 6 a.m. today, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health began to vaccinate its employees with the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19.

“This vaccine will provide much-needed protection for our employees , who serve on behalf of our community on the front lines of the pandemic,” said Metro Health – University of Michigan Health President and CEO Dr. Peter Hahn. “This is a breakthrough moment. This is how we start to turn the tide in our long battle with COVID-19.”

One of the first Metro Health staff to be vaccinated, Dr. Gabriel Pedraza, director of critical care at Metro Health, agreed with Hahn.

“I am going to fee a lot more comfortable treating my patients, my COVID patients,” Pedraza. Pedraza said he trusts the Center for Disease Control and knows that the Federal Drug and Food Administration would not have approved something that would put people at risk.

“Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation out there,” Pedraza said. “I have looked at some of the data. I trust the CDC. I trust the FDA. They are not going to release an unsafe vaccine.

 

A Metro Health – University of Michigan staff person shows her vaccine record. (Supplied)

“This is a big moment for our country and for us and I really highly recommend that we all get vaccinated. I did. I do what I preach and I think it is very important that we all do that. I recommend that everyone can, get vaccinated.”

The Pfizer vaccine was the first to be approved by the FDA on Dec. 11. Shipments of the vaccine, which is made in Kalamazoo, started leaving the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Airport on Monday. The vaccine arrived at Wyoming’s Metro Health – University of Michigan Health on Thursday.

“This generation’s greatest minds have been working tirelessly on vaccines from almost the moment the pandemic began,” he said. “Soon we will have to do our part, by being vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to each of us.”

Hahn praised the historic scientific effort and rigorous evaluation that made a vaccine available this year. 

Metro Health’s initial shipment was 975 doses, with more anticipated on a regular cadence over the weeks to come. Metro Health’s Human Resources team collected input from its own Infection Prevention experts and clinical leaders, along with guidance from the CDC, to develop tiers of vaccine distribution based on risk of exposure and role in daily operations.

 

“As vaccine supplies grow, we look forward to extending the vaccine’s protection beyond our walls by following the guidance of public health experts,” Hahn said. Hahn and other leaders plan to receive the vaccine as soon as they meet the distribution criteria.

 

“As an ICU physician and healthcare leader, I will urge everyone to do the same,” he said. 

Vaccinations Aren’t Just for Kids

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Courtesy of Cherry Health

By Mary Menchinger, BS, RN-BC, Director of Nursing

 

There are several reasons people may need to be vaccinated against a disease as an adult:

  • They weren’t vaccinated as a child
  • The childhood vaccine may have worn off
  • The vaccine isn’t needed until later in life
  • The vaccine changes on a regular basis

Influenza (Flu)

Different strains of flu affect people every year. That’s one reason you need to get a flu shot annually. Each year the vaccine is designed to protect against the types of influenza virus expected to be most common. Getting a flu shot helps keep you healthy during the flu season which can start as early as September and last through May.

 

Tetanus

Tdap is a vaccine that protects against:

  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria
  • Pertussis

Most people are vaccinated against these diseases in childhood. However, the protection can wear off.

 

Varicella (Chickenpox)

If you never had chickenpox as a child you may want to get the varicella vaccine. Chickenpox can be a serious illness in adults. Talk to your provider to see if it is a good choice for you.

 

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

If you were born in 1957 or later you need at least one dose of this vaccine. Consult with your provider to determine if you need to get an adult MMR.

 

Pneumococcal

All adults over 65 are strongly urged to get this vaccine. It is also recommended for adults under age 65 with certain health conditions:

  • Long-term health problems
  • Compromised immune system
  • Asthma
  • A history of smoking

Hepatitis vaccines

Vaccine are available to protect people against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These vaccines are generally offered to adults who work or live with high risk individuals.

 

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

According to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), one in every three Americans will develop shingles. Shingles is caused by a return of the virus that causes chickenpox. The one-time vaccine is recommended for adults over age 60. You should get the shot even if you had chickenpox as a child.

 

Talk to your provider to make sure you are up-to-date on the vaccines that are right for you. At a minimum, almost everyone needs a flu vaccine once a year. 

 

Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting job.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

No more excuses! There’s still time to get your flu shot

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By Victoria Mullen

Do you shudder at the thought and inconvenience of scheduling a doctor’s appointment to get a flu shot? Even if you’re a fan of seeing the doctor—and personally, I know nobody who is—the waiting times can be long and annoying. Well, there’s another, more convenient alternative: Your friendly neighborhood pharmacist.

And you don’t even need an appointment.

Michigan pharmacists are licensed and trained to administer any vaccination; the most common are flu, pneumonia, shingles and whooping cough. And because pharmacists are required to keep updated on new regulations and methods, they are a reliable source for information and care.

Harboring doubts? These facts should put your mind at ease:

1. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals and community pharmacies typically have flexible hours, including evening hours. If you work nine to five, this is a game-changer. You won’t need to take time off work, and chances are, you live within five miles of the nearest pharmacy, so it should be a short trip.

2. State law permits pharmacists to administer immunizations in the state of Michigan. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control recognizes pharmacists as key contributors to immunization efforts.

3. Your neighborhood pharmacist can give you personalized support. Your immunization records are available for review and he or she can evaluate your requirements based on age, lifestyle, health status, occupation and other health conditions. You’ll get specific recommendations on what you may need. Because recommendations may change annually, you could be behind on something and not realize it.

4. Best of all, you can add the trip for your flu shot to your other regular errands like grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.

Now there really isn’t any reason for putting off that flu shot!

How to Avoid Flu Like the Plague

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August 29, 2013, Atlanta, GA - Chris Summerrow (left), Director of Business and Continuity Management, UPS, speaks with Dr. Ali Khan, Director, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, in the Emergency Operations Center at the CDC.

By the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (with a little help from Victoria Mullen)

 

Hey! Happy New Year, Grand Rapids! We start out the year by making it onto yet another top-20 list, but this one’s nothing to brag about. According to the Huffington Post, Grand Rapids ranked 19th among the 20 cities most likely to experience the worst cold and flu season in 2016.

 

Great job, guys. Way to go. (Well, at least we weren’t #1 but still, among millions of cities, coming in at 19th?)

 

Both dreaded and dreadful, flu season can begin as early as October, but most of the time it peaks between December and February. Sometimes it can last as late as May. That’s what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say, and they’re the experts.

flu don't touch your face
Wash your hands!

 

Suffice it to say that the exact timing and duration of each flu season varies. About half of the U.S. population gets a flu shot each year, but those nasty little viruses can still pack a punch. Flu is responsible for nearly 17 million lost workdays and costs the U.S. more than $87 billion annually. Tens of thousands of people get sick enough to be hospitalized, and thousands die from flu-related illnesses each year in the U.S.

 

Children are the most likely to become infected with flu, and children younger than five years of age are among those who are at high risk of serious flu complications.

 

Think about that the next time you go to hug your sweet little petri dish.

How to spread the flu

It’s easy! Just cough, sneeze or merely talk, and those nasty viruses will spread through itty-bitty, teeny-tiny little droplets. Flu also spreads when people touch something with the virus on it and then touch their nose, mouth or eyes.

 

Here’s the thing: if you’re infected with flu, you can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That’s right, you can spread the flu to someone else before you even know you’re sick (in addition to doing so while you are sick).

 

Young children, people who are very ill and those with severely compromised immune systems can infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

flu
We needn’t go this far… unless there’s a pandemic.

Symptoms of the flu

How do you know you have the flu? Uh, you’ll feel lousy. Specifically, you may have:

 

– Fever or feeling feverish (note that not everyone with flu will have a fever)

– Chills

– Cough

– Sore throat

– Runny or stuffy nose

– Muscle or body aches

– Headache

– Fatigue

– Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than in adults

 

Most people will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some may develop complications (such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections) as a result of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and even deadly.

 

The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may experience worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.

Emergency_roomWhen to go to the emergency room:

In children

– Fast breathing or trouble breathing

– Bluish skin color

– Not drinking enough fluids

– Not waking up or not interacting

– Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

– Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

– Fever with a rash

 

In adults

– Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

– Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

– Sudden dizziness

– Confusion

– Severe or persistent vomiting

– Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

 

In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:

– Being unable to eat

– Has trouble breathing

– Has no tears when crying

– Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

flu_virus
Isn’t it pretty? Looks like an art project, but it’s not.

The best way to prevent flu

Get your annual flu shot every fall, say the CDC. Their statistics show that during the 2012-2013 flu season, an estimated 45 percent of the U.S. population got vaccinated and helped to prevent an estimated 6.6 million flu-related illnesses, 3.2 million flu-related mediation visits and 79,000 hospitalizations. (How they came up with these numbers is a mystery, but there you have it.)

 

People at high risk (such as children younger than 2 years, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, people who have medical conditions) or are very sick (such as those hospitalized because of flu) should get antiviral drugs

 

The flu vaccine protects against several different flu viruses, providing protection all season long. Flu viruses can change from season to season and immunity declines over time so it is important to get vaccinated each year.

 

CDC plays a major role in deciding which flu viruses the annual flu vaccine will protect against, so be nice to them.

cover your coughHow to protect yourself from the flu:
  • Stay away from sick people (not a problem for introverts) and don’t be offended when they stay away from you when you’re sick (tit for tat)
  • Wash your hands to reduce the spread of germs
  • If you or your kid is sick with flu, stay home from work or school at least 24 hours after the fever is gone to prevent spreading flu to others (one exception: you may go out to get medical care or for necessities but keep your distance from others). No cheating: The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (germs love to spread this way)
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs (such as doorknobs, phones, and computer keyboards/iPads, you get the idea)
  • If you begin to feel sick while at work, go home as soon as possible
  • Follow public health advice, which may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures. (I would think that if we ever reach this point, it wouldn’t hurt to wear a necklace of garlic.)
swine-kissFun Fact:

The title of ‘peak month of flu activity’ is bestowed upon the month with the highest percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza virus infection. February is typically the top peak month, so happy birthday out there to all you Aquarians!

 

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.