Distributing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to Michiganders was an all-hands-on-deck effort, with many different entities stepping up to do whatever needed to be done, including the Michigan National Guard.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or MDHHS,  submitted a request to the Michigan National Guard to help support community health care organizations with medical assets and logistical needs for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the state.

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MDHHS spokesperson Lynn Sutfin said in a written statement it was noted the department would use a variety of partnerships, both public and private, in an effort to ensure Michiganders were able to access the vaccine.

"The department and the National Guard have been working together successfully throughout the pandemic to increase access to COVID testing across the state and plan to continue that partnership throughout the vaccination process. They are supporting hospitals that have requested their assistance," Sutfin said.

Leadership with the Michigan National Guard said after analyzing its medical assets and logistical requirements, it planned to assist health care providers who requested support.

The Guard said it would staff approximately 50 COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Teams (CVTTs). Those teams were comprised of one uniformed medical technician and either one or two administrative support personnel. 

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The teams were spread out among four hospitals in Michigan, with the priority deemed by the state.

"We will provide medics and administrative support to hospitals and local health care organizations and work to fill their needs," said Col. Ravindra Wagh, Michigan National Guard Joint Operations Officer. "For some locations that will mean directly administering the vaccine to their staff. We will also provide administrative support when needed, freeing up critical front-line hospital employees and allowing them to focus on the ongoing battle against COVID-19."

Vaccines would first be given to frontline health care workers, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities, before being administered to essential workers and people deemed high-risk for severe COVID-19 illnesses.

The Michigan National Guard said it was ready to provide support wherever needed to any location in Michigan. It said the COVID-19 vaccination mission would be an ongoing endeavor of the Guard, as it works to stay in front of healthcare systems demands throughout the state.

"The Michigan National Guard remains focused on supporting our communities, our neighbors, in this important task," said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "They are professionals who have proven they have the tenacity and right skillset to support the State of Michigan's ongoing response to COVID-19."

Since March 18, 2020, the National Guard has been integrated into the state's pandemic emergency response. Several hundred members of the Michigan National Guard were supporting COVID-19 testing, as well as assisting with local food banks in Michigan.

The Guard was expected to continue helping with COVID-19 vaccination efforts into Spring 2021.

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