EAST LANSING — The COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available to more and more people, and the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) is recommending that people be prepared in more than one way. Both Sparrow Health System and McLaren Greater Lansing are currently vaccinating certain residents, but the health department is also suggesting that people who are eligible for the vaccine, but haven’t gotten an appointment, to register with RiteAid and Meijer, which are likely to begin offering the vaccine in the area soon, as well as Sparrow, McLaren, and ICHD.

There are around 70,000 people registered for the vaccine with ICHD, but vaccine supplies only allow for 2,000-3,000 new patients to be vaccinated each week.

“Unless supply drastically increases, the reality is that it will likely be April or May before everyone who is registered and eligible as of today is vaccinated,” ICHD Officer Linda S. Vail said. “Unfortunately, current supply falls far short of demand. I am sympathetic to everyone who is waiting and know it can be frustrating. I continue to advocate for more vaccines for our community and hope we will start to see increases in supply soon. If supply increases, we will update our estimates for when different groups will be vaccinated.”

Since ICHD began vaccinating people in December, 26,467 doses have been administered, and 17,148 Ingham County seniors have received at least one dose of the two-dose series. 

To get vaccinated through ICHD, everyone must register through the health department’s website. When the person’s priority group is eligible and supply allows, the person will receive a link to schedule an appointment via email. Vaccination is by appointment only. 

Anyone who secures multiple appointments is strongly encouraged to cancel any unwanted appointments. They should be aware that both doses of the two-dose vaccine must come from the same provider.