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Delta Variant and Booster Shots Top the List for Northern Michigan Health Officials

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Munson Healthcare says the Delta variant is a problem in northern Michigan. Meanwhile, booster shots are now available for the most vulnerable population.

Munson says more than 90% of the screenings they do of COVID-positive tests are showing the Delta variant. Case counts are now ten times higher than the case rates in June. Doctors say Delta is far more contagious, with twice the odds that you could end up in the hospital.

Health officials says the immunocompromised should talk with their physician to see about getting a vaccine booster shot. Lisa Peacock is the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Officer and also for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. She says, “We are asking people to talk with their doctor. No they will not be notified that they are eligible for that booster. It’s a discussion between them and their doctor to determine if their health status warrants that. listed on all of our websites of conditions that may cause you to be moderately or severely immunocompromised. But what we are asking for is for people to have that discussion with their doctor.”

During the Munson community update held on Tuesday, health officials pointed out that booster vaccines are meant for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. And they say the booster applies only to those who have had the Pfizer or Moderna shots. If you’ve had the one dose J&J vaccine you should not get a booster.  The process for scheduling a booster shot is the same as the process for the first vaccines, but please bring a note from your recommending doctor if possible.

If you test positive for COVID but aren’t sick enough to go to the hospital, Munson says you are still eligible for a monoclonal antibody therapy infusion treatment, if you can get that treatment within 10 days of the onset of symptoms.

For the state website on the COVID Vaccine(s), .

For more on the immunocompromised conditions that may qualify for a booster dose, . Please note this webpage is lengthy and you will need to scroll down to review the listings of conditions. 

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