How to Get a Vaccine Appointment in Michigan

Port Huron, MI — As we anticipate more COVID-19 vaccines becoming available in the near future, many people will join the ranks of those currently seeking vaccine appointments. Here are some tips for increasing the success of obtaining a vaccine appointment in Michigan.

A Wall Street Journal video recently featured Kris Stevens, an IT professional who helps senior citizens secure vaccine appointments in New Jersey. Kris recommends using a laptop or desktop computer for vaccine hunting because you can lose valuable time on a mobile device. He also recommends bookmarking websites to the providers who distribute vaccines in your area, setting up autofill in your web browser to expedite form filling, and using browser extensions like Page Refresh and Visual Ping to stay on top of newly added appointments and changes to websites.

View the video featuring Kris’s advice <HERE>.

When you’re ready to get on the vaccine rolls, Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department, recommends that individuals register with any or all of the providers they choose, but they should keep in mind that if they receive a two-dose vaccine, they will have to get their second dose at the same place they received their first.

For local residents who want to stay on top of vaccine availability, here is a list of links to the providers in our community.

St. Clair County Health Department

Visit the Health Department’s website HERE: Preregistration system for people who live or work in St. Clair County. A pre-registration tutorial video is available to help navigate the system. This is pre-registration ONLY. You will be notified when vaccines are available so you can make an actual appointment.

Meijer Pharmacy

Visit Meijer’s Website HERE

You can also text COVID to 75049 to register and receive updates directly to your phone. This is registration for vaccine appointments ONLY. Meijer will notify you when vaccinations are available, and then you can schedule an appointment.

Rite Aid Pharmacy

Visit Rite Aid’s website HERE

The above link takes you to a questionnaire that determines if you are eligible for the vaccine at this time. You cannot get on the waiting list if your group is not eligible. Appointments can NOT be made by calling the store.

If you are eligible and receive an appointment, Rite Aid will auto schedule your second dose to ensure it’s available for you.

Walgreens Pharmacy

Visit Walgreens’ website HERE

The link allows you to check the availability of vaccine appointments online for your zip code.

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacies do not have vaccines available in the state of Michigan at this time, but check their website <HERE> in the future.

Help for Senior Citizens Who Need Assistance:

  • St. Clair County Council on Aging will assist those who need help. Call 1-800-297-0099 or (810) 987-8811
  • Dial 211

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

“March is Reading Month” Brings Reading Proficiency and School Funding into Focus

March is here and with it comes “March is Reading Month”. Schoolchildren nationwide look forward to the chance to spend some extra time with a good book and enjoy the activities and reading contests that go along with the special month.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “Every year the country uses this month to promote reading and imagination. I am proud to declare March as Reading Month in Michigan and I encourage everyone to find time to read. This month, we should recommit ourselves to encouraging children and young adults to read diverse literary works early and often so they can see themselves and others in what they read.”

There is a more serious side to the month beyond “read-ins” and book sales, and that is education funding that gives teachers the resources they need to make every child a good reader.

Michigan ranks below the national average when it comes to 4th-grade reading proficiency, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. By 8th and 12th grades, Michigan students are slightly above average.

Michigan’s budget plan for this fiscal year is the largest public-school allocation in Michigan history, and that includes $1.7 billion to go directly into schools.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Black History Banners Installed in Downtown Port Huron

Those who travel down Huron Avenue and Military Street in Port Huron might notice something new. Banners in honor of Black History Month have been installed in Downtown Port Huron. The banners honor the rich history of those who have made outstanding contributions to the Port Huron area and the Black community as a whole. 

Twenty banners have been put up throughout Downtown displaying names, faces, and quotes from those in the Black community who have had an impact on the Blue Water Area. They also highlight the diversity and growth within the whole community. 

The banners feature people like Helen Floyd, a lifelong educator and community activist, quotes from Frederick Douglass, a 19th-century abolitionist and social reformer, and reference to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an historian and scholar who is considered the “Father of Black History”. People who see the banners might be inspired to do a little research to learn more about those featured in the project. 

Black History Month may be designated to February, but the banners will remain up longer. The banner installation is a collaborative effort between the Port Huron Branch of the NAACP, Port Huron Black Lives Matter, and the St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity (S.C.O.R.E.) Organization with sponsorship from various community members.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Eat at Buffalo Wild Wings March 3rd – Support the Red Cross

Buffalo Wild Wings is teaming up with the Red Cross of Michigan to support the organization’s mission to save lives and help communities. On March 3rd , 10% of the sales at Buffalo Wild Wings locations throughout Michigan will be donated to the Red Cross.

Chief Executive Officer, Mary Lynn Foster said, in a press release, “Through the trials of the last year, our local Red Cross volunteers and blood donors stepped up to care for their neighbors. From emergencies like family home fires to critical blood shortages, our local heroes were there to help. For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize people giving back through its lifesaving mission — which is powered by more than 90% volunteers.”

From July 2019 through June 2020, the Red Cross helped more than 1,200 families experiencing local disasters and distributed almost 200,000 pints of blood from generous donors.

The local Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Ft. Gratiot will be participating in this promotion along with the other 51 locations throughout Michigan. In Ft. Gratiot, the restaurant is offering carry out along with dine in services at 25% capacity and limiting parties to 6 or less per table.

Sheri Gress one of the Managers of the Ft. Gratiot location said, “We are looking forward to welcoming in guests to enjoy our amazing food and meet our wonderful staff, all while supporting the Red Cross.”

Reporting for WGRT  – Jessie Wiegand

 

Real IDs Required for Air Travel Starting in October

Real IDs will be required for commercial air travel starting October 21st of this year. The deadline was extended due to the pandemic, but it is back on the calendar and many travelers will need to take action.

A Real ID can be a state Driver’s License that has enhanced security protocols so it is less likely to be counterfeit or copied. The Real ID can also be a passport, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card, or an Enhanced ID.  Michigan residents who have an Enhanced ID, which allows travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport, do not need a new ID.

Real ID cards will be distinguished with a gold star in the upper right corner, although those issued before 2017 may not have the star, but are still valid. To get the Real ID, several documents will need to be brought to a Secretary of State Branch. A government-issued birth certificate with raised seal or stamp, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, or an approved citizenship or legal presence document.

A Real ID will also be needed to enter federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and military bases.

For more information:

https://www.michigan.gov/SOS?fbclid=IwAR1cPin_wkZjQzG4xI-M8h9Rtyo3hC17kRRUHnbLDJ-Ry0vyATl3mKOG2DY

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Dave McElroy Begins Role as GM for Blue Water Transit

Dave McElroy started his position as General Manager for Blue Water Area Transit Center (BWATC) on March 1st. McElroy took over for Jim Wilson who recently retired.

McElroy said, “I’m honored to be chosen by the Board of Commissioners as the new  General Manager of BWATC. I plan to continue the tradition of providing St.  Clair County with the exceptional transit service as established by both my  distinguished predecessor, Jim Wilson, and the professional and dedicated  staff of BWATC.”

McElroy is a Port Huron native and has been involved with BWATC for more than 12 years, serving most recently as the Commission’s Assistant General Manager and Finance Director. He has also been an active member of the community serving on boards for both the YMCA of the Blue Water Area and the area’s Regional Trails.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand