Ottawa County health officials say that they’re frustrated at the amount of the coronavirus vaccine the State of Michigan is allocating to them. This week, the state rolled out Phase 1B, making everyone over the age of 65 eligible to receive the vaccine, as well as police, firefighters, and k-1-12 teachers. The problem, according to West Michigan health departments, is that supplies are limited, and not everyone gets the equal amount, leaving public health departments like Ottawa County discouraged.
Kristina Wieghmink is Ottawa County’s public health officer.
“It gets a little frustrating, we are at the mercy of what the state allocates to us, while we have requested several thousand more, we have not being able to receive that,” Wieghmink said. “I know different jurisdictions receive different amounts, (and) we continue to ask for the maximum amount allowable, and we have only been able to receive a fraction of that.”
So the message then, becomes patience to those eager to get vaccinated. But in the meantime, some good news, as Wieghmink says, as the coronavirus numbers continue to trend downward.
“So we are seeing a decline in cases, we have had a little bit of a spike after Christmas, but it is nothing compared to what we had in November after Thanksgiving.”
Wieghmink says that those who have already received their first round of shots, like frontline workers and assisted living care workers will receive their second and final shot in phase 1B, which will then open up vaccine availability to others.
