Kent County along with health departments, healthcare providers and area universities are partnering with the launch of VaccinateWestMI.com.
“Thank you for checking out this website to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Dr. Adam London is director of the Kent County Health Department.
The website is designed to answer questions about safety and effectiveness. Dr. London explains both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are close to 95% effective and consistent across age, gender, race and ethnicity demographics. Side effects, if any, have proven to be mild.
“It’s important to point out that if a person does get side effects, it does not mean they are infected with the virus. You cannot get COVID-19 from a vaccine.”
Two doses are required within an established timeline.
As for the timetable for public distribution, with limited quantities at the start, VaccinateWestMI.com provides the tiered system beginning with frontline medical workers and long-term care facility residents.
“In 2021 the vaccine supply is expected to increase substantially. Current models suggest that anyone who is not within the initial priority groups will be able to get a vaccine by April or May of 2021.”
The Kent County health Department will play a role in the distribution and vaccines will be free of charge. For all distribution details and safety questions log on at VaccinateWestMI.com.