​INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — (March 30, 2021) The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) is encouraging young Hoosiers age 16 to 39 to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine this week, as new eligibility opens up.

IHA’s call to action comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations surge in Michigan among younger age groups that have the lowest vaccination rates among the state’s population. From March 1 to March 23, hospitalizations in Michigan increased by 633% for unvaccinated adults ages 30 to 39, according to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA). Meanwhile, hospitalization rates declined for older adults who have been vaccinated, demonstrating the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to IHA, several hospitals in Indiana counties that border other states have reported increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations as high as 65% over the last week.

IHA President Brian Tabor says Gov. Eric Holcomb’s decision to expand vaccine eligibility to Hoosiers age 16 and older could not have come at a better time.

“Indiana is well-positioned to get ahead of a possible surge thanks to the leadership of Gov. Holcomb, Dr. Box, and the entire administration for so effectively leading the state’s vaccine rollout,” said Tabor. “We must remain vigilant and mindful of the potential for a new wave to emerge as we’re seeing from our neighbors to the north.”

Signing up to receive the vaccine is the best way to mitigate that risk, says Tabor. In addition, he encourages Hoosiers to continue practicing COVID-19 safety measures to prevent the risk of severe disease or hospitalization.

“We’re not out of the woods just yet,” said Tabor. “I encourage all Hoosiers to continue wearing your mask, washing your hands, and avoid large gatherings until we can safely vaccinate all Hoosiers who want to be vaccinated. With every dose of the vaccine administered, Indiana moves one small step closer to a safe return to normalcy.”​

To schedule a vaccine, Indiana residents can visit https://ourshot.in.gov.​