Metro Detroiters 16 years of age or older can get their COVID-19 vaccine doses on May 13, 15 and 18 at the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center in Highland Park, MI. No advance registration is required.
What is a POD?
A POD (Point of Dispensing) is a temporary site in the community where vaccines can be quickly administered to people in large numbers. This POD is a collaborative effort of Highland Park Mayor Hubert Yopp, the State of Michigan, Wayne County Department of Health, DAAA, and SAY Detroit / SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic.
What happens in a POD?
The COVID-19 vaccine will require two doses, several weeks apart, to be effective. After receiving your first dose, you will be given instructions on when and where to come back for your second dose.
When are where is the POD?
May 13: 9AM – 3PM
May 15: 9AM – 3PM
May 18: 9AM – 3PM
Appointments for second dose will be June 3, 5, 8
Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center
10 Pitkin St.
Highland Park, MI 48203
Map
How do I sign up?
Advance sign up is not required! Just walk-in and get your vaccine.
How should I prepare?
Please wear a face mask.
Is it free, safe and effective?
YES, YES, and YES.
We understand that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated. Safety is the first priority in vaccine authorization or approval. Contrary to misconceptions, the COVID-19 vaccine does not give you COVID-19. The vaccine gives your body information which helps it recognize the virus if you’re later exposed to it, so your body can fight it off in the future.
There is a lot of misinformation online. Here are 6 facts that can help you combat the mistruths you might be seeing on social media about the vaccine. We recommend you read these 18, too, and help keep you and your loved ones informed, safe, and healthy.
Will COVID-19 vaccination help keep me from getting COVID-19?
Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Early data show the vaccines do help keep people with no symptoms from spreading COVID-19, but we are learning more as more people get vaccinated.
It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.
What advantages are there for getting the vaccine?
If you are fully vaccinated you can start doing many things that you had paused doing because of the pandemic. People who are fully vaccinated:
– Can gather with others without wearing a mask in some situations.
– Don’t have to test before and after travel.
– May not have to participate in screening testing in some situations.
– Don’t have to quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19, as long as asymptomatic.
Do you need the vaccine if you’ve already had COVID-19?
Yes, you should still get the COVID-19 vaccine, even if you have had COVID-19. There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again; this is called natural immunity. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. People who have had COVID-19 can still get a vaccine. CDC recommends getting it after you have recovered. You should check with your health care provider if you have questions.
Masks, distancing, and now a vaccine? It’s too much!
Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Stopping the pandemic requires using all the tools we have available. Continued, unchecked transmission of the virus creates more opportunities for mutations that can be even more dangerous — for you and your neighbors.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often– these are just good practices to staying healthy and avoiding infection, even in flu season!
I have terrible food and/or seasonal allergies. Is the vaccine less safe for me?
Most people who have food or environmental allergies can still get the vaccine. Prior to getting vaccinated, talk to your health care provider if you have had any severe reactions to medicines or vaccines in the past.
So how does the vaccine even work?
Check out this handy guide:
Get more resources from the Wayne County, MI Health Department here
