Recognizing that Michigan residents have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, the State of Michigan is releasing the next in a series of community town halls focused on concerns of people with disabilities and their caregivers.
As equity has always been a focus in vaccine outreach, this event was pre-recorded so that it could be captioned to ensure it is as accessible as possible. This builds upon virtual conversations held with faith-based leaders, communities of color, older adults, and first ladies in the faith community, about the safety, efficacy and importance of the COVID-19 vaccines for safely reopening Michigan. Michigan will continue to host additional town halls in partnership with public health and community leaders.
“I am pleased with our efforts to expand access to these safe and effective vaccines, through mass vaccination sites and ongoing efforts to make these vaccines accessible to people in neighborhoods through mobile efforts and community partnerships,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “Equitable access to vaccines is important, and we want people with disabilities and their caregivers to be able to have their questions answered, and barriers to access removed.”
In order to reach community-wide immunity that can protect others who cannot get vaccinated, at least 70% of Americans need to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Over 4 million Michiganders, or 50.9%, have received at least their first dose of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The goal of the town hall series is to address the safety and efficacy of the vaccine by answering questions within vulnerable communities, including people with disabilities who face unique challenges in accessing the vaccine.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
