Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine plan is extended to more than 50 years with certain conditions: what you need to know

Michigan will expand its COVID-19 vaccination plan to include all Michigan residents age 50 and older by the end of March.

Key points of the expansion:

• Starting Monday (March 8), Any Michigan resident 50 years of age or older with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities may choose an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. Family members and guardians caring for children with special health care needs may also receive the vaccine.

• On March 22nd, all Michiganders 50 years of age or older will be eligible.

More information: COVID-19 Vaccines Against Michigan: How to Find Appointments, Phase Information

We have some answers to common questions about the Michigan COVID-19 expansion (from MDHHS).

Some underlying medical conditions present an increased risk of serious illness from the virus caused by COVID-19. Severe COVID-19 disease is defined as hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation, or mechanical ventilation, or death.

• Cancer

• Chronic kidney disease

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

• Down syndrome

• Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies

• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) by transplantation of solid organs

• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg / m2 or more but <40 kg / m2)

• Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg / m2)

• Pregnancy

• Sickle cell disease

• To smoke

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

The following medical conditions may pose a high risk of serious COVID-19 virus-related disease and are therefore also eligible for vaccination from the age of 50 at this time:

Announcements

• Asthma (moderate to severe)

• Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)

• Cystic fibrosis

• Hypertension or hypertension

• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to transplantation of blood or bone marrow, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or use of other drugs to weaken immunity

• Neurological conditions, such as dementia

• Liver disease • Overweight (BMI> 25 kg / m2, but <30 kg / m2)

• Pulmonary fibrosis (with damaged lung tissue or scars)

• Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Family members and guardians of caregivers 16 years of age or older with special health care needs may be vaccinated at this time. Special health care needs include any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health intervention, and / or the use of specialized services or programs. The disease can be congenital, evolutionary or acquired by illness, trauma or environmental cause and can impose limitations on the performance of daily personal maintenance activities or substantial limitations on an important vital activity.

From March 22 and as vaccine supplies become available, people 50 years of age and older will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

President Biden has stated that the United States will have produced enough vaccine for all adults by the end of May. As more supplies are produced and available, MDHHS will rapidly change prioritization guidelines to increase eligibility for populations living with underlying diseases or disabilities.

Announcements

It is important to note that vaccination phases will be adjusted based on many factors including efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. Data are being evaluated to ensure that those with the highest risk and role in vaccination support communities are identified based on available supply. We understand the challenges and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to use the entire vaccine accordingly.

More information: Dr. Frank McGeorge, from Local 4, answers questions about the COVID vaccine

People living with disabilities over the age of 50 can be vaccinated at this time (March 8). ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more important life activities. This includes people who have a history of this impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes people who do not have a disability, but are considered to have a disability.

Announcements

Some examples of important vital activities are eating, sleeping, stopping, getting up, reading, bending over, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. In addition, ADA also includes important bodily functions (e.g., “immune system functions, normal cell growth, digestive, intestinal, bladder, neurological, cerebral, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions”).