Michigan Social Workers and COVID Vaccine Prioritization

Many of you have asked about the prioritization of the COVID vaccine for yourself and the populations you work with. As information continues to become available, we will do our best to update you.

Here is what we already know:

Social workers according to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are and have been considered essential workers. Therefore social workers are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Beginning January 11th, 2021 VACCINES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL SOCIAL WORKERS WORKING IN (those in hospitals, critical care units, emergency medical response systems and long-term care can receive the vaccine now) :

PHASE 1A: Hospital’s, critical care units, emergency medical response systems, skilled nursing facilities, psychiatric hospitals, homes for aged staff (other long term care facilities), adult foster care centers, home health care workers caring high risk clients. This applies to those who are in direct patient contact (therapist included), including outpatient, urgent care, ambulatory care, home health care.

PHASE 1B: Social Workers working in Schools, Pre-K through High Schools, child care workers and those who have direct contact with children. Firefighters, police, in jails, juvenile justice facilities, working in homeless shelters, congregate child care institutions and adult and child protective services.

This includes paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings with direct or indirect exposure to patients and are unable to work from home

Those who are 65 years - 74 years and those 75 and older can receive the vaccine beginning Jan 11th as well.

These prioritizations may change as more information on vaccine effectiveness and additional vaccination products become available.

Even with COVID-19 vaccinations starting in Michigan and worldwide, Dr. Khaldun urges everyone to continue to practice preventative measures such as properly wearing masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing to reduce the spread of the virus until the vast majority of people have been vaccinated.

There will be no out-of-pocket costs to individuals for the vaccine, however, healthcare providers may bill insurance for administrative costs. The COVID-19 vaccine will require two doses, separated by three or four weeks depending on the manufacturer. Michiganders should receive both doses in order to have full protection from the virus. Individuals who receive the vaccine may experience mild side effects such as low-grade fever, sore arm and general discomfort, which indicate that the vaccine is working. There is a robust state and national process for tracking vaccines and reporting side effects.

Additional information and resources regarding the COVID-19 vaccine can be found at:www.Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.