October 18, 2021 – Health Department of Northwest Michigan COVID-19 Update
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan is awaiting final word from federal agencies before being able to offer the general public a Moderna or J&J booster shot – a move that may occur later this week.
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held two meetings of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) to discuss new data for the currently available COVID-19 vaccines.
For additional or booster doses of vaccinations to be approved for use, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also needs to meet to discuss the data. Vaccinations need approval from the FDA and ACIP in order to be approved for administration. The ACIP meeting is scheduled for October 20 and 21. Currently, Moderna is on the schedule for October 20.
“We need the final guidance from these federal agencies in order for us to offer the Moderna or J&J booster shots,” said Dr. Josh Meyerson, Medical Director for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. “We know many people who received the Moderna or J&J vaccines are anxious to receive their booster shots. As soon as we receive approval, we will ask people to make an appointment for their booster vaccination,” Dr. Meyerson said, adding booster shots for those who received the Pfizer vaccine are currently available.
The health department recently created documents listing COVID-19 vaccination clinics and testing sites in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties. Residents are urged to check the individual clinic sites listed for vaccine availability Moderna (age 18+), Pfizer (age 12+), and Johnson & Johnson (age 18+). Parent/guardian must accompany minors.
Booster shots are available if you received the Pfizer vaccine more than 6 months ago and are:
- Age 65+
- Resident or staff in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ and have underlying medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, obesity
- Age 18+ and work in high-risk settings including healthcare workers, teachers, grocery store workers
Additional doses are recommended for immunocompromised individuals who have received their second dose Pfizer or Moderna at least 28 days ago.
The health department offers convenient COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all area residents and visitors 12 and older by appointment ahead of time. Parent consent is required for minors. Anyone may call 800-432-4121 if they have questions or are not able to find a time or date that works for them and/or their child. Clinics offer client choice of Pfizer, Moderna or J&J unless otherwise noted. Upcoming clinics for appointments only include:
Wednesday, October 20
- 8:15-11:35 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 3434 M-119, Harbor Springs. To schedule an appointment: Click Here
Thursday, October 21
- 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 95 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord. To schedule an appointment: Click Here
Friday, October 22
- 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 220 W. Garfield Ave., Charlevoix. To schedule an appointment: Click Here
Monday, October 25
- 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 205 Grove St., Mancelona. To schedule an appointment: Click Here
Thursday, October 28
- 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 220 W. Garfield Ave., Charlevoix. To schedule an appointment: Click Here
Friday, October 29
- 8:15-11:35 a.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 95 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord. To schedule an appointment: Click Here
- 8:15-11:35 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 3434 M-119, Harbor Springs. To schedule an appointment: Click Here
The calendar on the website www.nwhealth.org lists clinics currently scheduled through November 30.
