INGHAM COUNTY, Mich. – The Michigan National Guard is expanding its COVID-19 response force for vaccination and testing efforts across the state.

They are deploying an additional 300 guard members to support this mission beginning Monday.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will receive assistance from the guard.

Northern Michigan, Mid-Michigan, Western Michigan, and Southeast Michigan are all expected to receive this help.

Michigan has started Phase 1B of the vaccine plan, which includes residents over 65.

As more people become eligible for the vaccine, the need for additional support for administering doses increased.

To date, the guard has administered over 32,000 vaccines to Michigan residents.