GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Multiple West Michigan counties are expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility faster than the state.

While preference will still be given to those 65 and older, residents 16 years and older in Ionia, Branch, Hillsdale, St. Joseph, Newaygo, Oceana and Mecosta counties are now eligible for the vaccine. Van Buren and Cass counties are taking anyone 18 and up.

Ionia County says those who work but do not live in its jurisdiction can ask their employer to contact the health department about receiving a vaccination.

“We’re making phone calls, we’re reaching out, talking to more and more people that have been able to get their vaccine at Meijer or Rite Aid or wherever and that’s great — but we want to keep our clinics full. We want to be putting out the maximum amount of vaccine that we can put out, so that’s what led to the decision to just make it open to everyone,” Ionia County Health Department Health Officer Ken Bowen told News 8.

• Residents of Ionia County can sign up here.
• Residents of Branch, Hillsdale and St. Joseph can sign up here.
• Residents of Newaygo, Oceana and Mecosta can sign up here.

Starting April 5, all Michigan residents 16 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.