COLDWATER – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is asking for patience as they schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Appointments are currently available to category 1B individuals and those ages 65 to 74. CHA Health Officer Rebecca Burns says COVID-19 vaccine supply remains limited, and if you are now eligible for vaccination, it doesn't mean vaccination is immediately available to you.

The CHA is following the prioritization guidelines issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that gives priority to people with greater risk.

Burns says any individual in Category 1A who lives or works in the tri-county area that has not yet been vaccinated is encouraged to schedule their appointment. Category 1A individuals needing assistance with getting an appointment can call 517-279-9561 and go to Option #7.

At least 30,000 more individuals in Branch, Hillsdale and St. Joseph Counties are now eligible for vaccination. This includes people 65 years of age or older, and frontline, essential workers with frequent or ongoing exposure as part of their work. Burns says this week, the CHA has three vaccine clinics scheduled and all three are already booked. These mass vaccination clinics are by appointment only. She says as more vaccine becomes available, the CHA will inform the public and set up more clinics.