Mayor announces expansion of COVID vaccine distribution to critical workers, seniors and homeless shelters

Starting January 11, the City of Detroit will begin scheduling 20,000 COVID vaccination appointments at the TCF Center over the next four weeks, based on anticipated supply of vaccines from the State of Michigan. Those vaccines will be available to Detroiters age 75 or older.

Mayor Mike Duggan also announced plans to ramp up its vaccinations of the city’s elderly and vulnerable populations, as well as its critical workers, such as police officers and bus drivers. The City’s vaccination plan was outlined by Mayor Duggan at his news briefing January 7.

VACCINATIONS AT TCF CENTER
Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, the City will activate a call center for scheduling vaccination appointments at the TCF Center for age-eligible residents and essential workers.

Who is eligible to receive the vaccine at TCF Center?
• Any Detroit resident age 75 and older (born 1945 or earlier)
• Any “good neighbor” age 65 and older who drives a 75-year-old to TCF Center
• Group B essential workers, including K-12 teachers and child care workers

CITY ESSENTIAL WORKERS 
On January 8, vaccinations for Detroit police officers and DDOT bus drivers will begin on a strictly voluntary basis. Police officers will receive vaccines precinct-by-precinct at the Detroit Fire Department’s Walter Harris training facility. DDOT personnel will be vaccinated at respective DDOT terminals. Vaccinations for DDOT and DPD employees are expected to take about one week. After DPD and DDOT, other City departments providing essential services will be scheduled for employee vaccinations.

SENIOR CITIZEN BUILDINGS AND HOMELESS SHELTERS
Starting Jan. 13, the Detroit Health Department, in partnership with Wayne State University medical, nursing and pharmacy students, will begin vaccinating at 60 senior citizen buildings and 29 homeless shelters in Detroit. DHD expects to complete vaccinations at all 89 facilities by the end of February.

VACCINATIONS ADMINISTERED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Individuals will not be vaccinated without having first made an appointment and must show identification at the appointment. Individuals age 75 and older and their “good neighbor” drivers age 65 and over may call (313) 230-0505 starting January 11 to schedule an appointment at the TCF Center. The call center is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The first appointments will take place Jan. 13. Appointments should last approximately one hour once the person enters the TCF garage.

SECOND VACCINATION REQUIRED
When they schedule their appointment, individuals will be provided two appointment dates, one for the first dose and another for the required second dose. After receiving their vaccination, individuals will be required to remain in their vehicles inside the TCF garage for a period of approximately 15 minutes to make sure they are not experiencing any side effects. Medical staff will be on hand to assist any who may experience any side effects.

Detailed information on the TCF testing site is available at detroitmi.gov.