After months of waiting lists and people frantic to get protected against COVID-19, public health workers are now waging a ground game to get Michigan to vaccinate the reluctant and hard-to-reach. Wednesday’s ship clinic illustrates the brutal challenge ahead.
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.
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COVID is fading, but racial gap in deaths is back with force in Michigan
Black residents are dying at greater rates once again in Michigan in part because they are getting vaccinated at lower rates.
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“It’s like a miracle:” Monoclonal antibody use soars over 300% in Michigan
In just under a month, the number of COVID-19 patients in Michigan receiving monoclonal antibody treatments soared by more than 300 percent, from about 500 patients the week for March 24, to about 1,700 the week of April 21.
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Michigan may not hit 70% vaccination rate until August, as demand falls
One week after Gov. Whitmer tied lifting remaining restrictions to the benchmark, new modeling shows the state is months away from the milestone — which could amp up pressure to change paths quicker.
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History, algebra … and Pfizer? Michigan high schools host vaccine clinics
Vaccinating Michigan teens and young adults will be key to lifting pandemic limits and reaching herd immunity. Health officials are scrambling to make COVID vaccines available to high school students, who are getting shots at far lower rates.
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Shortage of paid caregivers keeps family members up at night, hoping for 'something sustainable'
Advocates, state and county agencies, private agency, and caregivers for the elderly and disabled pretty much all agree: something needs to be done to address the shortage of workers.
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CDC reminder: COVID vaccine take 2 weeks to fully kick in after last dose
The study, released after the CDC relaxed new guidelines for vaccinated people, is a reminder for Michiganders that your immunity against the virus isn’t fully realized until at least two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer links easing COVID rules to vaccines
Whitmer, who has faced criticism from Republicans and business groups for not linking COVID restrictions to identified metrics, changed that approach. Her new plan offers economic and social incentives for residents to get vaccinated.
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Detroit offers $50 a shot to people who bring residents for COVID vaccines
There’s no limit to how often ‘good neighbors’ can be paid to bring in Detroiters for vaccines. Mayor Mike Duggan said the payments are worth it to boost the city’s woeful vaccination rates.
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CDC: Michiganders vaccinated against COVID can ease outdoor mask use
Michiganders can feel safer gathering in small groups, traveling, and skipping quarantine with some exceptions, under new federal guidance issued Tuesday. Michigan appears poised to soon ease state mask rules.