Michigan’s chief medical executive has issued guidance to clear up confusion for vaccine providers and residents alike regarding this year’s COVID-19 booster.
Anyone older than 6 months and without contraindication, who has not yet received the 2025-2026 vaccine, can be considered to have an underlying condition that makes them eligible to be vaccinated.
Not being vaccinated in and of itself is an underlying condition, explained Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, citing studies that found last year’s booster reduced risk of severe illness leading to emergency room visits by 33% and hospitalization risk by 45%.
“National medical organizations and scientific experts continue to recommend routine COVID-19 vaccination for those at high risk, but also recommend vaccines be made available for all those who want them, ages six months and older,” Bagdasarian said.
“As the state’s chief medical executive, it is my duty to protect and promote public health, and everyone deserves the opportunity to access COVID-19 vaccine if they desire one.”
Bagdasarian issued a “standing recommendation” on the vaccine Friday, Sept. 19. It was not a mandate to anyone. Rather, it was meant to offer clarity and support.
“This gives (providers) support to interpret the FDA label and say ‘Yes, you’re at higher risk and we feel comfortable because this is best practice in Michigan as outlined by this standing recommendation,’” she said.
Related: 2025 COVID vaccine eligibility: What Michigan residents need to know
U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. said vaccines will remain available for “all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.”
However, in late August federal regulators imposed new eligibility restrictions when they approved the latest round of COVID vaccines. They limited shots to people 65 and older or who have health conditions that increase their risk of severe illness from coronavirus infection.
Regulators didn’t provide a complete list of underlying conditions and referred to a list from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which was also not exhaustive.
The conflicting federal messages and ambiguous eligibility guidelines created confusion among vaccine providers and those who want to get a booster this fall. That confusion sparked Bagdasarian’s official recommendation.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to support COVID booster shots for anyone older than 6 months, with exceptions for those with a vaccine allergy or condition that prevents them from being vaccinated.
State guidance aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
“As we enter respiratory virus season, any barrier to COVID-19 vaccination creates a dangerous vulnerability for children and their families,” said AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly in a statement. “Respiratory illnesses can be especially risky for infants and toddlers, whose airways and lungs are small and still developing.”
On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered state agencies to remove barriers to vaccine access for any resident who wants a shot. That included ensuring all health insurance plans under state regulatory authority cover vaccines, to the extent possible.
For more information about COVID vaccines, including access, contact your primary care physician or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
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