GETTING READY

Test box arrives for safety check prior to COVID-19 vaccine arrival

In preparation of receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine, Stephanie Jenkins, pharmacy buyer, Midmichigan Medical Center – Midland, processes a Pfizer “test box” that was recently received.

According to a press release from Midmichigan Health, the test box utilizes the same material the vaccine will be shipped in and allows the pharmacy staff to conduct safety checks ahead of the COVID-19 vaccine scheduled to arrive later this month.

Additional preparation measures include the purchase of two “ultra- cold” freezers to house the health system’s vaccine shipments. Each freezer can hold 30,000 vaccine doses at the required temperature of -94 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the Food and Drug Administration approve the vaccine by Dec. 10 as planned, Midmichigan Health will be able to start administering vaccinations as early as the week of Dec. 21. The health system will work alongside local health departments in the phased plan of vaccine dissemination.

As a service to the community, Midmichigan Health hosts a COVID-19 informational hotline with a reminder of CDC guidelines and recommendations.

Staff is also available to help answer community questions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hotline can be reached toll-free at (800) 445-7356 or (989) 794-7600. Inquiries can also be sent to MidMichigan Health via Facebook messenger at facebook.com/midmichigan.

Those interested in a current list of COVID-19 testing site locations may visit michigan.gov/coronavirustest.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MIDMICHIGAN HEALTH Midmichigan Medical Center in Midland has received a “test box” in anticipation of handling COVID-19 vaccines.