Doctors warn of dangerous days ahead as the state’s hospitals care for more than 3,200 patients with COVID for the first time since early May. That’s a 40-percent jump in two weeks.
Robin Erb
Robin Erb covers a range of health issues in Michigan, including the industry of aging and the issues facing older residents in Michigan, a state that is aging faster than most others. She joined Bridge in 2019 and has led investigations that tracked millions of dollars in opioid settlement money and explored severe worker shortages in health care that threaten lives and the state's economy. She chronicled the shock and grief of Michigan families in COVID’s wake, as well as state policy decisions and the triumphs of medical breakthroughs. Robin previously spent six years covering health at the Detroit Free Press, documenting the battle over, and the eventual passage of, the Affordable Care Act and Michigan's Medicaid expansion. She studied communications and political science at Miami University and has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lourdes University (Toledo, Ohio). She and her husband raised two wonderful children — but have failed miserably at training their Beagle-Bassets — in southeast Michigan. Reach her at rerb@bridgemi.com.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Could COVID pills help turn the pandemic tide in Michigan?
The FDA considers the first of two drugs this month. If they live up to their hype, the drugs by Merck and Pfizer could save lives. But some worry that they could be another reason to skip a vaccine.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
'Are you vaccinated?' and other new Thanksgiving traditions in Michigan
Can the virus spread when we share green bean casserole? Is there a COVID test etiquette? What about masks? Infectious-disease experts — and two veterans in calming explosive conversations — weigh in.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Child COVID vaccines are available in Michigan. Now comes the hard part.
More than 800,000 Michigan children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible for Pfizer’s COVID vaccine. But a good portion of parents who are otherwise supportive of COVID vaccines are hesitating. Their doctors are ready to talk.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
CDC approves COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11, shots available immediately
The CDC’s advisory committee voted unanimously Tuesday to allow the Pfizer vaccine to be given to younger children. Michigan already has 278,000 doses ready for kids.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Monoclonal antibody treatment gains ground in Michigan’s COVID fight
The lab-made treatment has expanded beyond people with mild cases of COVID. It’s now also used to shield high-risk groups from contracting the virus.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11 clears another federal hurdle
The FDA authorized the Pfizer pediatric vaccine Friday, following recommendations from its advisory committee. Next up: CDC consideration Tuesday, which means the vaccine could be authorized for young children by the end of next week.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID vaccine for 825,000 Michigan children nearer to federal approval
The Pfizer pediatric vaccine, shown as 91 percent effective for children 5 to 11, cleared an FDA advisory panel Tuesday. Gov. Whitmer is seeking to expedite shipment of the vaccine, which could be approved by next week.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan private insurers no longer waiving costs for COVID treatment
Hospitalized patients, who are largely unvaccinated, may now face thousands of dollars in deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket fees. With vaccines broadly available, nearly all large insurers have ended cost waivers.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Federal authorities to weigh COVID vaccine for children 5 to 11 Tuesday
More than 800,000 Michigan children are in this age group. Pfizer says its vaccine is 91 percent effective in keeping young children free of COVID-19. If approved, young children may be eligible for vaccines by early November.