On Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive to state departments and agencies to move as quickly as possible to administer additional doses of the covid vaccine to vulnerable Michiganders in long-term care facilities.
Governor Whitmer also encourages eligible Michiganders to get an additional covid vaccine to protect themselves.
“Throughout the pandemic, our top priority has been protecting those who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, including older Michiganders, residents in long-term care facilities, and immunocompromised individuals,” stated Governor Whitmer. “When vaccines first became available, we ensured that 100% of residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities had first dibs at the safe and effective vaccines. Now, it’s important that we continue to prioritize these Michiganders by rushing an additional dose to those who need it the most.”
Governor Whitmer’s executive directive comes after the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approved that Americans ages twelve and older with compromised immune systems can have an additional dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or MDHHS, is currently working with local providers to make additional covid vaccines available for Michiganders with compromised immune systems.
The extra doses will provide protections for those with compromised immune systems who may have not had a robust immune response to the first two doses, and will protect against the delta variant along with other variants.
“The safe and effective covid vaccine is the way we are going to end this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy Director for Health. “I am pleased that our federal partners have taken action to recommend an additional vaccine dose for those with compromised immune systems. I urge anyone who is immunocompromised and meets the eligibility criteria to get an additional dose.”
Dr. Khaldun continued to say that she also encourages Michiganders who are eligible and have not yet been vaccinated to get a vaccine to protect themselves, their families and their communities.
“MDHHS remains committed to ensuring that anyone who is eligible gets the COVID-19 vaccine,” stated MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “The vaccine has been proven highly effective and safe, however, as we deal with variants it is important for those of us who are immunocompromised to receive another dose.”
Michiganders looking to receive an extra dose of the vaccine will not need their vaccination card to receive a third dose.
According to the Governor’s Office, Michigan has a large supply of covid vaccines to meet the demand, and an additional dose will be available for eligible Michiganders will be effective beginning Saturday.
To view the full executive directive from Governor Whitmer,
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