The state will now aim to provide 100,000 COVID-19 coronavirus shots per day. The previous goal was 50,000 a day.
This comes shortly after the federal government announced what was called a "substantial increase" in vaccine supplies directly allocated to Michigan.
As the vaccine supplies ramp up, so have the number of locations that are providing vaccines in southeast Michigan. In addition, the Monroe County Health Department expanded its eligibility data to age 18 and older on Monday
But this boost in vaccine supply is also is happening as Michigan is getting attention for a current spike in COVID-19 cases. Monroe County is part of that spike, with some local schools temporarily on remote learning in an effort to slow the spread.
State officials say that for for 38 days now, they have met or exceeded their previous goal of administering 50,000 vaccinations per day. To date, Michigan has administered 4,207,102 vaccines. The long-range plan is to "equitably vaccinating" at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible.
"The new goal is based on the state's successful efforts to expand equitable and efficient vaccine administration by partnering with private and public organizations in communities across the state, and is made possible by continuous week-over-week increases in the number of vaccines allocated to the state of Michigan," the state's announcement said.
" Michigan is making great strides as our rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines continues ramping up," Whitmer said in the announcement. "These new, higher vaccine targets are a testament to what we can do together, and we need to meet them so we can keep rebuilding our economy."
In next week's shipment, the Biden Administration will increase the state's direct allocation by 66,020 doses for a total of 620,040 vaccines, a weekly record high for Michigan. This allocation includes 147,800 doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
State officials say the federal step "follows recent requests made by Governor Whitmer to the administration for more vaccines and will further help to mitigate the recent rise in cases."
In addition to the state's direct allocation, millions of additional doses being sent to federally partnered retail pharmacies across the country, including some in Michigan.
All COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the area are by appointment only; there are no walk-up sites at this time.
Those who are seeking COVID-19 vaccinations from the Monroe County Health Department can book an appointment at www.healthmonroecounty.com/covidvaccine. That website lists available appointment dates and signup instructions. Those who need to schedule by phone rather than online can call (734) 240-7925, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital and Monroe County Emergency Management are handling a series of pop-up clinics across Monroe County. The next one is April 3 in Bedford Township. To schedule an appointment for the pop up clinics, call (734) 243-8600 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Announcements for upcoming dates will be made at the EMD's Facebook page, look for " Monroe Michigan Emergency Management."
Ford Field in Detroit is the site of a mass vaccination clinic that opened March 24. This site is open to all southeast Michigan residents. Signups are at https://clinic.meijer.com, follow the instructions listed for the Ford Field site.
Vaccines also are expected to be available at many pharmacies and drugstores in Michigan and Ohio such as Meijer, Walgreens and Kroger. Information on signup details are on the retailers' websites.
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