Whitmer boosts COVID-19 vaccine access in Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s directive ensures easy COVID-19 vaccine access for Michiganders this fall.
MICHIGAN, USA — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Tuesday aimed at ensuring Michigan residents have access to COVID-19 vaccines as the state prepares for the fall respiratory illness season.
The directive instructs state agencies to identify and eliminate barriers that may prevent Michiganders from accessing COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the governor’s office.
Under the directive, Michigan departments will:
- Provide clear guidance to pharmacists and healthcare providers about COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness
- Encourage healthcare professionals to prescribe and administer the vaccines
- Review and remove access barriers to keep vaccines widely available
- Work to ensure health insurance plans under state oversight, including Medicaid, cover COVID-19 vaccines
State health officials cited research showing the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine reduced emergency room and urgent care visits by 65-70% for children in the first two months after vaccination, according to a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services study.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, emphasized that vaccination protects not only individuals but also healthcare systems and vulnerable community members.
“With this executive directive, we’re connecting Michiganders with trusted resources from medical experts and helping more families get the safe and effective flu and COVID-19 vaccines,” she said. “Let’s do our part to stay healthy and keep Michigan strong.”
Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, have recommended COVID-19 vaccination as a safe and effective preventive measure.
The directive comes as Michigan enters what officials call “cold, flu, and COVID-19 season,” with health experts continuing to recommend vaccination as the most effective protection against severe illness.
“Cold, flu, and COVID-19 season are upon us. We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and healthy,” said Whitmer. “Today’s executive directive ensures Michiganders can get the COVID-19 vaccine. According to medical experts, vaccines remain the most effective way to stay healthy. I’m committed to providing Michiganders with the best options for their families. Let’s keep working together to protect our families and ourselves.”
To view the full executive directive, click here.
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