Ford, UAW provide on-site vaccines at plant
Employees of Ford Motor Company in southeast Michigan can now receive a COVID-19 vaccination on-site at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights.
Ford and the United Auto Workers are working with various health providers, including Rite Aid, Liberty Memorial Health System and Lima Memorial Health System to offer first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at manufacturing plants in Michigan, Kansas City, Missouri and Lima, Ohio, with plans to expand the program to additional locations, according to a Monday announcement from the company.
“It has been a stressful experience finding a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in the area,” said Jeri Feeman-Veldhoff, quality inspector at the Michigan Assembly Plant.
With all states opening vaccine eligibility to residents 16 and older, appointments are in demand and fill up quickly.
“Now that stress has been lifted with Ford offering on-site appointments for its employees,” Feeman-Veldhoff said. “I can’t wait to get my first shot.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting vaccinated in combination with other recommendations issued results in the best protection against COVID-19.
“COVID-19 vaccines are a major tool to help reduce the risk of infection. So, we want to ensure our employees have access to vaccines,” said Dr. Francesca Litow, Ford corporate medical director. “We are grateful to partner with various health providers across the country to protect the health and safety of our workforce and finish strong together.”
Ford will be providing a digital scheduling system for employees looking to schedule an appointment and information on what proof of identification is required.
In Southeast Michigan, clinics are also being organized at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Ernest Lofton Fitness Center at the Rouge Site and Rawsonville Components Plant.
The on-site vaccine program will continue at various locations throughout the country through June.