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Metro Detroit leaders: Seniors won’t be left out as vaccine eligibility expands

People 50 and up with pre-existing conditions to be eligible

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday the state would be expanding access to the coronavirus vaccine to people 50 years old and older.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to be able to be vaccinated right away, however.

The announcement caught health departments and senior citizens off guard. Now there’s a rush for them to try and secure their place in the line for a COVID vaccine before the pool expands by more than a million people.

READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases

Now just because more will be allowed to get the vaccine doesn’t mean younger people will get the vaccine before seniors. The focus in Oakland County will be on the elderly.

READ: How homebound seniors can get COVID vaccine in Oakland County

Macomb County executive Mark Hackel said they will also prioritize seniors.

While those 50 and older may experience delays in the county they call home, they may have better luck with pharmacies. Residents can register at Meijer, Rite Aid and the Medicine Shoppe.


About the Authors
Hank Winchester headshot

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

Dane Kelly headshot

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

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