(WXYZ) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun are encouraging Michiganders to come up with a plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it's widely available.
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Right now, the state is only vaccinating frontline workers and began vaccinations at long-term care facilities on Monday.
There have been more than 71,000 vaccines given to Michganders so far.
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According to Whitmer, it will take some time for the vaccine to become available, but she wants people to get prepared to get it when it's ready.
"It is safe and effective, and when it becomes available to you, we want you to be able to get it," Whitmer said.
The state has provided a COVID vaccine guide on the website, Michigan.gov/covidvaccine, that provides answers to questions and more people may have about the vaccine.
Khaldun also said that while there have been reports of allergic reactions to the vaccine across the country and world, a majority of those reports came from people who have had allergic reactions to vaccines in the past.
"While it will be several months until everyone can get a vaccine, this is the way we will beat this pandemic," Khaldun said. "Please, be planning now on how you will get the vaccine when it becomes available to you."
She also encouraged people to consult with their doctor for any other questions about the vaccine or allergy information.
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