Eligibility for the Michigan COVID vaccine expands Monday: what you need to know

Michigan will see a major expansion in eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday, March 22nd.

• From Monday (March 22), all areas of the state will be able to implement vaccination of people over 50 (part of phase 2), as well as vaccination of people 16 years and over who have disabilities and / or medical conditions, as well as the relatives and guardians of their carers.

• Until April 5, 2021, all areas of the state can, as vaccine supplies become available, implement vaccination of all seniors 16 years or older who were not eligible before.

As of Friday, 27.1% of residents, including about 2/3 of those 65 and older, had received at least one dose of vaccine.

• Pharmacies: CVS and Rite Aid are expanding vaccines across the state.

There are several ways to request an appointment, including by phone. Here is a list of the six ways Michigan residents can sign up for a vaccine.

NOTE: Appointments are based on the supply of vaccines, and although supply is increasing, you can still expect some delays and delays, depending on where you live. Register where you can.

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.

Announcements

• 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 suffering from a serious disease caused by the virus that causes COVID-19 and are therefore also eligible for vaccination from the age of 50 at this time:

• 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

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

Not enough vaccine for groups currently being vaccinated, why do we add more?

MDHHS: 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.