(Jackson, MI) – The number of COVID-19 cases continues to trend down in Michigan and in Jackson County. Please refer to the MI Safe Start Map for additional statewide data.  Notably, the 20-29 year old population exhibits a disparate number of the COVID positive population, meaning that they have a higher than average percent of cases overall in all populations during the timeframe of March 1, 2020 – May 4, 2021.

Concerns associated with potential long-term effects of COVID, also known as “long COVID,” remain in some residents.  These effects include:  fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, depression, and headache. Effects can be disabling and can last for months, and in some cases, arise without warning in patients who had few or no symptoms at the time they were diagnosed with COVID-19.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued an updated Gatherings and Face Mask Order effective May 6 – May 31, 2021.  This order rescinds and replaces the previous April 19, 2021 order.

Vaccine Information

There are three vaccine options offered in Jackson County.  All three are CDC and FDA approved.

·         Johnson & Johnson – one shot.  Age 18+.

·         Pfizer – two shot series, 21 days apart, Age 16+. Under CDC review for age 12+.

·         Moderna – two shot series, 28 days apart. Age 18+.

The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important tools in our efforts to return to normal.  At this time, we encourage everyone 16 and older to get their vaccine or talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions.

The Vaccine Advance Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a massive reporting site tasked to collect data from COVID-19 vaccine participants. In addition to monitoring COVID-19 vaccine effects, it serves as an early warning system in the event of any potential problems with vaccines.  All COVID-19 vaccines are monitored, reviewed and studied through multiple agencies and organizations such as the CDC and FDA to determine impacts or effects including:

·         Any new or previously known side effects,

·         Increased resistance to COVID-19 variants,

·         Increased use for younger aged individuals than previously designated, and

·         Long-term use or lasting effect of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine Opportunities

The health care community continues to work closely to provide various opportunities for vaccines for Jackson residents.  For a complete list of vaccine opportunities, please visit or call one of the following:

·         JCHD sponsored clinics – www.mijackson.org/hd or Call (517) 788-4420, opt 9; or their Facebook page.

·         HFAH – www.henryford.com/covidvaccine (call 517-788-4067 for ML King Center)

·         Center for Family Health – Call 517-748-5363

·         Pharmacies and other sites – www.Vaccinefinder.org

If you do not have internet access or need assistance registering for a vaccine, please ask a friend or family member to help, or contact the health department for additional guidance.  Additionally, please visit vaccinefinder.org for additional clinic information. 

Homebound individuals who are interested in a COVID-19 vaccine, please contact Disability Connections at (517) 998-3084, Region 2 Area on Aging at (517) 592-1976 or the Jackson County Department on Aging at (517) 788-4364.

Current Trends in Jackson County:

Jackson County Health Department continues to plan periodic pop-up clinics in the county, our most recent one at Westwood Mall.  We are completing our final mass vaccination clinics at the Jackson Department of Transportation, and will focus on smaller clinics with targeted populations, including homebound individuals and high school and college aged youth.

The Jackson County Health Department is also transitioning into gradual re-opening of services that were paused as a result of COVID-19 and COVID response services.  Effective May 17, we will be reopening our Immunization Clinic and Sexual Health Clinic, by appointment, two days per week.  To schedule an appointment at the Immunization Clinic, please call (517) 788-4468, and to schedule an appointment at the Sexual Health Clinic, please call (517) 788-4477.

In order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, residents are encouraged to continue preventative measures as recommended by the CDC, which includes frequently washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance when around others.

Data

Jackson County Health Department reports the following data as of May 7, 2021. This information is also available on the Michigan Vaccine Dashboard  which is updated daily (M-F) by 3:00 p.m.

COVID case numbers in Jackson County compared to the State of Michigan:

*Data as of May 3, 2021

**Recovered = alive 30 days after onset date (if onset date is missing, then referral date). This calculation is using the Patient Status variable to distinguish alive vs deceased.

The COVID-19 variants continue to circulate in our community. There is evidence that the B.1.1.7 is the most prevalent COVID-19 strain spreading in Michigan.

Additional Resources

Jackson County Health Department Webpage

State of Michigan Vaccination and Prioritization Strategy

https://www.mistartmap.info/about

Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Information Page