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.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Visitation resumes amid COVID in Michigan nursing homes — with limits
For nearly a year, Michigan’s long-term care residents suffered deadly COVID outbreaks and “heart-wrenching” isolation. Tuesday’s order will encourage far more homes to allow visitors.
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Too few for too long, COVID vaccines expected to surge. Is Michigan ready?
Operation Warp Speed created vaccines just a year after a new virus began its deadly spread. Can the same commitment and precision get it into millions of Michigan arms in the coming weeks?