Michigan trails only Florida in the number U.K. B.1.1.7 variant cases following the most recent outbreak tied to prep basketball games in Grand Ledge. Variants pose a greater concern as people travel more and spring break hits.
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
Gretchen Whitmer opening MI COVID vaccines brings excitement and wariness
Local health officials in some counties welcomed the news that anyone over 16 could soon get the vaccine, saying they can get to more people sooner. But there was also concern seniors and other groups could be pushed behind the more computer savvy.
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Michigan residents 16 and older eligible for COVID vaccine by April 5
The expanded eligibility is a month ahead of President Biden’s plan for universal U.S. eligibility by May 1. In the Upper Peninsula, one health department threw wide open its scheduling Friday, immediately offering appointments to any resident 16 and older.
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Biden’s American Rescue Act makes Obamacare more affordable for Michiganders
Thousands of Michigan families will see payments reduced, as the COVID stimulus caps premiums at 8.5 percent of incomes. Under Obamacare, income limits priced many out of the market.
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Michigan COVID cases rising, but vaccines make surge in deaths less likely
Michigan residents 60 and older are making up far fewer of new coronavirus infections, a likely result of the nearly 1 million seniors who have gotten at least the first vaccine dose.
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One plane, one island and 50 vaccines, a year after COVID struck Michigan
The residents of Bois Blanc, in the Straits of Mackinac, were ready when a small, single-engine plane landed Tuesday with an island’s worth of doses.
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Black residents lag on COVID vaccines. Kent County offers one solution.
With white residents overrepresented at the county’s first vaccination sites, county officials and Spectrum Health partnered to open clinics specifically geared to advantage Black and Hispanic residents in those areas.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Half of Michigan seniors still awaiting shots, as state expands vaccinations
Inoculation rates for older residents vary widely in Michigan. It’s one-third in some areas and 80 percent in others. That has some worried as eligibility expands to those 50 and older with underlying conditions Monday.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s bold move to COVID vaccines for people over 50 leads nation
Wednesday’s announcement of Michigan vaccine eligibility more than doubles the number of residents eligible for a vaccine, and opens vaccinations to an age group that has comprised nearly 97 percent of COVID deaths in the state.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michiganders 50 or older with underlying conditions next up for COVID vaccine
Those with COPD, cancer, and other conditions, as well as caregivers of those with special needs, are eligible for a COVID vaccine Monday.