ANN ARBOR – Now that the vaccination effort against COVID-19 is ramping up, what will the weeks and months ahead look like? This is what infectious disease experts from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Michigan Medicine will be discussing on a virtual panel on COVID-19 vaccines on April 8 from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The event will be moderated by Dr. Emily Martin, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Panelists include:Dr. Arnold Monto, Professor of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public HealthDr. Sandro Cinti, Clinical Professor of Infectious Diseases, Michigan Medicine and Ann Arbor VA Health SystemDr. Laraine Washer, Clinical Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, Michigan MedicineRelated reading:

ANN ARBOR – The Washtenaw County Health Department has announced that approximately 1,200 local teachers will get vaccinated against COVID-19 on Saturday. In partnership with Michigan Medicine and IHA, the Health Department is allotting this week’s vaccine supply from the state toward the effort as districts begin to reopen ahead of Gov. “Limited vaccine supplies continue to hamper our local efforts to reach everyone currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination,” Jimena Loveluck, health officer for Washtenaw County Health Department said in a statement. The Board received substantial backlash over its decision at last week’s meeting to rush a vote on staying virtual. “We are grateful for their work with the Governor’s team to resolve the issues that delayed getting vaccines to K-12 staff across Washtenaw County compared to communities across the rest of the state.

(AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht)WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – The Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association has issued a statement calling to increase vaccine supplies for teachers in the county’s public school districts. According to a recent survey of educators by Michigan Education Association, only 25.6% of respondents in Washtenaw County had received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. WSA represents the superintendents of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and the following nine public school districts: Ann Arbor Public Schools; Chelsea School District; Dexter Community Schools; Lincoln Consolidated Schools; Manchester Community Schools; Milan Area Schools; Saline Area Schools; Whitmore Lake Public Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools. Washtenaw County superintendents have taken every opportunity to collectively advocate on behalf of our school communities at the local, state, and federal levels. We call on local Washtenaw County leaders to continue to keep equity at the center of everything we do, including our vaccination efforts.

Individuals are seen being monitored for 15 minutes after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at Michigan Stadium on Dec. 31, 2020. ANN ARBOR – For the second straight week, Michigan Medicine has announced it can only provide COVID-19 vaccine appointments to those receiving their second shot due to a limited vaccine supply. Only those who received their first dose through Michigan Medicine are able to receive their second dose at the health system’s vaccine clinics. Michigan Medicine asks those waiting for their first dose to check back next week to see if new appointments are available. The Washtenaw County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine page also has updated information and a vaccine request form for those who are eligible.