Supplies can vary widely in neighboring counties because Michigan is using a complicated formula for distributing vaccines. That’s left some seniors frustrated, but Michigan officials say help is on the way.
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
How do I get a COVID vaccine in Michigan? Tips to boost chances for seniors
Two months since Michigan administered the first shot, the pace of vaccines is accelerating, but frustrations remain. Here are some strategies to ensure seniors can get a shot.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Five ways to open Michigan nursing homes for visits during COVID
A few policy tweaks could help more Michigan nursing homes safely reopen to visitors during the pandemic. Loved ones can also play a role by asking the right questions.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Hugging stations: How some Michigan nursing homes fight despair amid COVID
Senior care facilities across much of Michigan can now resume indoor visits, yet few appear to be doing so. We highlight places applying DIY creativity to bring lonely residents face to face with those they love.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan sending COVID vaccines to low-income clinics to improve equity
In addition, Michigan health officials say the state will provide hard-to-get coronavirus vaccines to health providers who “are removing barriers to access” for the most vulnerable, who are often left behind by the healthcare system
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Despite disparities, Michigan is not gathering race data on COVID vaccines
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vowed to combat racial disparities as the pandemic tore through Michigan last year. A member of her COVID task force calls the state’s failure to collect racial data “almost criminal.” State officials say they’re working on it.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan can’t fill mental health jobs amid COVID. These ideas could help.
From psychiatrists to counselors to direct care workers, health agencies are unable to fill jobs as depression and substance abuse cases increase. Some state and federal programs could help nudge more doctors and therapists to underserved regions of the state.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Game on. Michigan contact sports may resume Monday as COVID cases wane.
As the state’s Republican-run Legislature tries again to rein in the Whitmer administration’s pandemic authority, the governor said that encouraging trends in efforts to contain COVID-19 will allow even indoor sports to resume — with some cautions.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan isn’t sure who’s getting the COVID vaccine. That’s a big problem
An absence of data has hindered efforts to vaccinate the state, as officials have no idea about the racial breakdown of recipients, making it harder to address equity gaps and fix problems with distribution.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Why a stockpile of a promising COVID-19 treatment sits unused in Lansing
With shortages of the COVID-19 vaccine expected for the foreseeable future, people’s lives depend on having effective treatments for the virus.