Public health officials around Michigan note that vaccination rates have fallen for a host of childhood illnesses. One health department now avoids using the word “vaccination” in its campaign to get children immunized.
Michigan Health Watch
In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Crucial but underpaid, Michigan home care staff face inflation now, too
Michigan stood apart for giving a permanent pay raise to personal care aides and other workers who offer quality-of-life help to Michigan families. But with “Help Wanted” signs on nearly every street, is just more than two bucks enough?
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
On-demand primary care doctors only served Michigan’s wealthy. Not anymore.
“Direct primary care” provides patients with their doctor’s cell phone and drop-in access to care for less than $100 a month. They also often pay far less for common medications. But at what cost to others?
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BA.5 spreading COVID in Michigan. Five things you should know.
The newest subvariant appears to duck vaccine immunity that, by now, is waning among many residents. And many doctors say they are seeing patients who keep getting reinfected.
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New COVID variants rising in Michigan, along with hospitalizations
Hospitalizations have risen along with prevalence of two new COVID-19 variants that are considered more transmissible than earlier variants. Doctors say it’s unclear how long the increases will last.
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Pharmacists get FDA approval to directly prescribe COVID pills to patients
Michigan residents who contract COVID should soon be able to get a prescription to lessen symptoms directly from a drug store.
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One rural Michigan hospital averts closure, as others struggle to hold on
A literal last-day state infusion of $11-million is keeping the doors open at Sturgis Hospital, keeping it from completing its planned shutdown later in July. But red ink continues to pressure independent and other hospitals that small, rural communities depend upon.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Lead testing for all children? Michigan pediatricians have concerns.
A Democrat-led bill package would require all children to receive two tests for lead poisoning by age 4 — something now required only for children on Medicaid. Doctors worry it could hold them responsible if parents don’t follow through.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Monkeypox confirmed in Michigan; first case is in Oakland County
The viral disease has been detected in 27 other states.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan pharmacies limit morning-after pills amid post-Roe panic buying
Fears over access, prompted in part by an opinion from Justice Clarence Thomas, prompt a run on morning-after pills.