The Delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across the U.S. and could become the dominant strain in the next few weeks, making it even more important for those not yet fully vaccinated to receive their shot – especially youth.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data recently showing that the prevalence of the Delta strain more than doubled over the two weeks ended June 19 to 20.6% of positive COVID-19 positive tests, compared with 9.9% in the week ended June 5.
“We strongly urge those who are not fully vaccinated to get their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Lisa Peacock, Health Officer with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. “All three vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna and J&J – have proven to be safe and effective against this new variant, which is highly transmissible and particularly risky to people who are unvaccinated,” Peacock said.
As summer gets into full swing, the health department is urging parents to consider getting their child, ages 12-18, vaccinated now so they can safely gather with family and friends throughout the coming months and be fully vaccinated in time for sports and return to school in the fall.
The health department continues to offer vaccination clinics throughout the four-county jurisdiction, in addition to working with local businesses to offer pop-up vaccination clinics. Public health nurses are on site at these events and able to answer any questions that residents may have regarding the vaccines.
All clinics are open to walk-ins or people can register by clicking on the clinic link below or by visiting www.nwhealth.org.
Friday, June 25
• 8:30-11:30 a.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 205 Grove St., Mancelona. Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, J&J.
• 1-4:20 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 220 W. Garfield Ave., Charlevoix. Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, J&J.
Saturday, June 26
• 3-7 p.m. – East Jordan Freedom Festival, Memorial Park, 101 Spring St., East Jordan. Vaccine: Pfizer or J&J Walk-ins only.
Tuesday, June 29
• 8:15-11:30 a.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 95 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord. Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, J&J. Moderna, J&J.
• 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:25 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 3434 M-119, Harbor Springs. Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, J&J.
Wednesday, June 30
• 10 a.m.-12 p.m. – Treetops Resort Convention Center, 3962 Wilkinson Rd., Gaylord, Vaccine: Pfizer, J&J.
• 1-4:25 p.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 209 Portage Dr., Bellaire. Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, J&J.
Thursday, July 1
• 8:15-11:30 a.m. – Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 220 W. Garfield Ave., Charlevoix. Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, J&J.
• 3-5 p.m. – Mancelona Farmers Market, Downtown Mancelona. Vaccine: Pfizer, J&J.
Friday, July 2
• 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Petoskey Farmers Market, Howard Street, Downtown Petoskey. Vaccine: Pfizer, J&J.
• 1-3 p.m. – Grain Train Natural Food Market, 220 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey. Vaccine: Pfizer, J&J.
The calendar on the website www.nwhealth.org lists clinics currently scheduled through July 15.
