Benzie-Leelanau Health Department reports 44 new COVID-19 cases since April 9; vaccination clinic held April 13 in Frankfort

Photo: On March 26 in Frankfort, Dorothy McDougall received the 10,000 COVID-19 vaccine dose administered by the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department.

From staff reports

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department will offer a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, April 13, at Frankfort Trinity Lutheran Church, and provide Moderna shots. As of Monday evening, appointments were still available. Click here to schedule your slot.

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department has reported 44 new cases—20 new cases in Benzie County and 24 new cases in Leelanau County—since Friday, April 9.

The Health Department has one message for anyone 16 years or older: Get the shot!

In addition to the Frankfort clinic on Tuesday, 952 second doses are being administered at this week’s clinics.

To learn more and to sign up for any vaccine appointment for this week or future weeks, visit www.bldhd.org. Anyone with internet or other barriers to scheduling themselves through the website can call 2-1-1 or their County Senior Services. The vaccine is free and there is no charge to individuals.

Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is planning four school based COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine clinics for 16–17-year-old students in our district as well as their eligible family members. Minors need to be accompanied by their parent/guardian or bring a completed Pre-Immunization Questionnaire and Consent Form. Schools have the forms available if you have not received the one yet. Most other scheduled health department clinics only offer Moderna vaccine which is meant for those 18 years and older.

For those who missed their second COVID-19 vaccine appointment or those who still need their second dose, the Health Department is keeping a list of individuals who are due/overdue for their second dose. Each week the department checks inventory and available appointments to schedule those individuals who are overdue.

“If you are 16 or older, you are eligible to get vaccinated. We want to urge everyone to get their shot,” said health officer Lisa Peacock. “The race is on to get vaccinated now as the more easily spread variant is spreading across our region. Getting vaccinated is the key to returning to normalcy—to gathering with family and friends, to participating in school activities, and to being able to enjoy all the fun summer activities that northern Michigan offers.”