There are as many COVID cases today as a year ago despite the availability of vaccines. The reasons are both complicated and simple.
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
University of Michigan flu outbreak prompts worries of statewide jump
Flu season ignites in southeast Michigan with more than 500 cases — enough to bring CDC staff on-site to monitor and assist, and resurrecting fears among health officials of a COVID and flu “twindemic” this winter.
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Hospitals filling up as Michigan records highest COVID case rate in U.S.
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.
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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.
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COVID shots for young kids adds confusion to Michigan school mask mandates
Some local health departments plan to rescind mask orders over the holidays, while others have mandates that will stick around until COVID transmission levels drop.
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Facing COVID vaccine mandates, these Michigan residents just said no
A looming federal mandate means 2 million Michigan residents must prove they’ve been vaccinated, submit to weekly tests or lose their jobs. A weatherman, dentist, nurse and pastor explain why they refused.
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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
Sparrow nurses without contract say 'critically low' staffing puts patients at risk
Bitter fights over whether hospitals are doing enough to retain and recruit health care workers have intensified during the pandemic, as shortages reach a crisis point.