Experts weigh in on the vaccine rollout for Michiana

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – Residents 65 and older, first responders, teachers, and prison workers can sign up to receive their COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday, January 19.

However, these residents won’t be able to receive their vaccine until it is stocked in their area.

“There are lots of ways of thinking of prioritizing the vaccine. And we know folks with some comorbidity conditions – diabetes, hypertension, obesity, pulmonary disease, smokers, [people with] cancer, folks on immune-suppressants – all kinds of variabilities that factor in your risk of getting sick and your risk of dying, no question. But the most predictable single element is age,” Dr. Loren Hamel, President of Spectrum Health Lakeland, said.

In Indiana, Governor Eric Holcomb is rolling out the vaccine differently, giving priority to Seniors above 80.

Dr. Mark Fox, St. Joseph County Deputy Health Officer, speaks on the differences of the rollout and when Indiana might expect when vaccinations can expand out to other residents.