The COVID-19 vaccination effort in Berrien County is ramping up. Speaking during a Tuesday update, Spectrum Health Lakeland CEO Loren Hamel said the supply is improving.
“The vaccine is becoming more plentiful,” Hamel said. “As you heard, President Biden suggests we’re going to have enough for everybody in May. I hope that transpires without a glitch. It looks like we’re getting much more in the next few weeks than we had in the last few weeks. We long for that.”
Hamel said you should get whatever vaccine you can, whether it’s Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson. Berrien County Health Officer Nicki Britten said there are more providers of the shots coming online, now including some Walgreen’s stores.
“These partners are becoming increasingly important in getting the vaccine out, or playing a larger role in getting that vaccine out,” Britten said. “As more vaccine is becoming available, we’re able to fill their freezers with more vaccine so they can start getting shots in arms.”
Britten said the J&J vaccine, which is only one dose, is being focused at populations that would be difficult to make a second dose appointment for. She notes eligibility will include everyone 16 years of age and older starting April 5, and on Monday the shots will open to everyone 16 and older with health conditions.
