Michigan COVID Vaccine Eligibility Expands Monday: What You Need to Know

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

• Beginning Monday (March 22), as vaccines are available, all parts of the state will be able to vaccinate people 50 and older (part of Phase 2), as well as vaccinate people from 16 years of age and older who have disabilities and / or medical conditions, as well as their caregiver’s family members and guardians.

• No later than April 5By 2021, as vaccine supplies are available, all parts of the state may introduce vaccination of all people by age 16 and above that were not previously eligible.

On Friday, 27.1% of residents, including about 2/3 of those over 65, had received at least one dose of a vaccine.

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

There are various ways to request an appointment, including by telephone. Here’s a list of the six ways Michigan residents can sign up for a vaccine.

NOTEAppointments are based on vaccine supply, and as the supply grows, you can still expect some delays and backlogs depending on where you live. Register wherever you can.

Certain underlying medical conditions have an increased risk of serious illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Serious illness from COVID-19 is defined as hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death.

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• 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) due to organ transplantation

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

• Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg / m2)

• Pregnancy

• Sickle cell disease

• To smoke

• Diabetes mellitus type 2

The following medical conditions can put a person at an increased risk of serious illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, and are therefore currently eligible for vaccination from the age of 50:

• Asthma (moderate to severe)

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

• Cystic fibrosis

• Hypertension or high blood pressure

• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune-weakening drugs

• Neurological conditions, such as dementia

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

• Lung fibrosis (with damaged or scarred lung tissue)

• Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus

More information: Dr. Local 4’s Frank McGeorge answers questions about the COVID vaccine

There is not enough vaccine for the groups currently vaccinated, why are we adding more?

MDHHS: It is important to note that the stages of vaccination will be adjusted based on many factors, including efficiency, effectiveness and fairness. The data is being evaluated to ensure that those at highest risk and the roles in supporting communities are identified for vaccination based on the available supply. We understand the challenges and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to use all vaccines accordingly.