ALLEGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Beginning March 1st, The Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) will add to the list front line essential workers in the food processing and agricultural industries eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.
Due to limited vaccine availability, the ACHD will first prioritize indoor workers within these industries since the risk of transmission is higher indoors compared to outside work.
The ACHD encourages all workers of any age within these industries to sign up for the vaccine now to help with planning for future demand in this sector. The department defines food processing and agricultural workers as follows:
Food Processing Workers – Includes meat processing and meatpacking facilities; processing of fruit and vegetables; dairy processing; animal feed manufacturing; food and animal feed ingredient manufacturing; beverage production; and the production of food packaging.
Agricultural Workers – Farmers and farm workers, including migrant and seasonal workers, involved in raising, cultivating, harvesting, packing, storing, and distributing agricultural commodities, and who are by the nature of their work in close proximity and contact with other people.
All individuals living or working in Allegan County and interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should sign up through the “I Want the COVID-19 Vaccine” form on www.allegancounty.org/covid or call 2-1-1. Once the vaccine is available, they will receive notification on scheduling an appointment.
Current eligible individuals include those 65 years of age and older, health care workers, first responders, police officers, jail and prison staff, pre-K through 12 teachers and workers in childcare centers and protective services.
Individuals in need of assistance can call 2-1-1 or the ACHD COVID-19 Hotline at 269-686-4546 to provide their information. The ACHD is following prioritization set by the State of Michigan. For more information, visit www.vaccinatewestmi.com or www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine.
