Percentage of Leelanau County residents receiving first vaccine dose passes 70%—leading the state
From staff reports
Yesterday, Leelanau County passed the 70% mark for all eligible residents age 16 and over who have received their initial dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“This is a major accomplishment for our county to be the first in the state to reach that level of protection,” said Lisa Peacock, health officer with the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department. “Although, we need to continue with precautions while we aim for statewide coverage. Safety remains really important as we know that we are just a couple weeks away from tourists and summer residents coming up from areas with lower vaccination rates.”
When it comes to vaccination rates, the Benzie-Leelanau County Health Department is running ahead of state numbers. All across the board — 16-19-year-olds, and those age 65 and older — the rate of vaccination for residents in the health department’s jurisdiction is greater than the state.
“Collectively, we are doing quite well and I’m proud that our residents are getting themselves vaccinated against COVID- 19,” Peacock added. “Being fully vaccinated means you can now enjoy several activities without worry.”
To date, 42.6% of teens age 16-19 in Benzie and Leelanau counties have received one dose and 22.5% have completed their vaccination coverage of two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Statewide, 28.1% of teens age 16-19 have received one dose and 14.9% have completed their coverage. With the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use approval, allowing youth age 12-15 to qualify for the Pfizer vaccine, the health department is expecting parents will want to register their child(ren) for a vaccination clinic. Final review and approval by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is pending which will likely allow for wide-spread administration of the Pfizer vaccine to those 12-15 years old before the end of the week. Parents of 12-15 years are encouraged to preregister their youth for the COVID-19 vaccine on our website so that we have their contact information for scheduling once the final approval is obtained.
For the 65 and older population in the health department’s region, 81.1% have had one dose and 76.6% have completed their vaccinations, compared to 75% and 68.9% respectively at the state level.
“Our community is really stepping up and getting vaccinated, and that’s great news!” Peacock said. “Along with our partners and other providers, we are making it easier and easier for anyone who wants to get vaccinated. Walk-ins are welcome at all our clinics and we are taking the show on the road, so to speak, and setting up pop-up clinics at area businesses in the coming weeks.”
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community — and enjoy the full freedoms of being fully vaccinated. The health department is offering walk-in vaccinations or people can make an appointment at www.bldhd.org. Additional vaccination sites can be found at vaccines.gov. Residents can choose the date and location for their appointment.
Upcoming clinics for walk-ins include:
Wednesday, May 12th
Suttons Bay Old Middle School Gymnasium, 310 S. Elm Street, Suttons Bay 11:00- 6pm
Vaccine: Moderna, Janssen, and Pfizer (open to 16 or older, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
Thursday, May 13th
Frankfort High School Gymnasium, 534 11th St, Frankfort, MI 49635, 1:00- 5:45pm
Vaccine: Moderna, Janssen, and Pfizer (open to 16 or older, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
Friday, May 14th
Glen Lake School Gymnasium, 3375 W Burdickville Rd, Maple City, MI 49664. 1:00- 5:45pm
Vaccine: Moderna, Janssen, and Pfizer (open to 16 or older, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
Saturday, May 15th
Benzie Central Gymnasium, 9222 Homestead Rd, Benzonia, MI 49616
Time: 10:00- 12:00pm
Vaccine: Moderna, Janssen, and Pfizer (open to 16 or older, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
The next scheduled pop-up clinic will take place in Benzie County this Saturday, May 15th at St. Ambrose Cellars in Beulah from 1-4pm. Pop-up clinics are offering Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen and Moderna vaccine.
