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See which communities are getting vaccinated in Washtenaw

The State announced April 30th that 50% of Michigan residents 16 years old or older have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of May 4th, in Washtenaw we’re doing better than the state average with just over 60% of county residents 16 years old or older have received at least one vaccine dose. And now we know that the Manchester area is doing better than the State average but is below the county average.

Last Thursday, the Washtenaw County Health Department shared a map showing vaccination rates for the county broken up by census tract map. Both Manchester Township, as well as Sharon, Freedom and Bridgewater which are clustered together, show that between 50% and 59% of our residents 16 years old and older received at least their first COVID-19 dose.

While our rates are below the county average, they are not as worrying as other areas of the county. The Health Department is particularly concerned with census tracts with lower than 50% vaccination rates and have designated these as priority areas. Areas with lower vaccination rates are prioritized for vaccine pop-up clinics and outreach efforts.

“Using census tract data helps us ensure we’re reaching all areas of the county in our vaccine distribution,” says Jimena Loveluck, MSW, Washtenaw County health officer. “We’re continually working to remove barriers to vaccination and make COVID-19 vaccines as accessible as possible.”

The Health Department continues providing vaccination opportunities through community pop-ups throughout the county as well as mass vaccination sites in Ypsilanti and Chelsea and Nurse on the Run home visits. Appointments can be scheduled  and walk-ups are welcome as supplies allow.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.