(WXYZ) – The state of Michigan announced Friday that it will expand access to vaccines to everyone 16 and older starting April 5, about a month ahead of the target announced by President Joe Biden on Thursday.
Related: All Michigan adults ages 16 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as of April 5
With that, the White House and the state of Michigan have partnered to open a new major community vaccination site at Ford Field in Detroit, with the goal of administering 6,000 COVID-19 injections per day.
It will be open from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm, seven days a week for eight weeks as part of the federal government’s vaccination pilot program. The goal is to deliver 5,000 vaccinations per day on site and another 1,000 per day through the mobile option. It opens on March 24.
Related: White House, stands to open regional COVID-19 vaccination site at Ford Field
The state has updated its COVID-19 vaccination timeline. Currently, those 50 and older with chronic health conditions can receive a vaccine. It will be expanded on March 22 to everyone 50 and older. Also on March 22, people between the ages of 16-49 have a disability and pre-existing conditions.
Check out the updated timeline below.
8 March – 50-64 with disabilities or pre-existing conditions or carers of children with special care needs
March 22nd – All people aged 50-64 or people aged 16-49 with a disability or pre-existing conditions
April 5th – All people aged 16-49
The state began vaccinating health workers in December 2020 and then extended it to long-term residents. To start the New Year, people 75 and older and others, such as teachers, first responders, correction personnel, and more, could get vaccinated. That then expanded to those between the ages of 65 and 74, before spreading again to those aged 50-64 with pre-existing conditions.
The state did say that it is expected to take several weeks after April 5 before anyone who wants to receive a vaccine has an appointment.
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