LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan will be expanding its COVID-19 vaccine plan to include residents age 50 and older.
Next week
Starting Monday (March 8), any Michigan residents age 50 and up with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities will be eligible to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
Caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs will also be eligible to receive the vaccine, starting Monday.
“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Whitmer said. “I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines to protect you, your family and your community.”
Later this month
On March 22, all Michiganders age 50 and up will become eligible, Local 4 has learned.
More than 40% of Michiganders age 65 and older have been vaccinated, according to the state.
“Over 2.3 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we know more vaccine is coming into the state,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We are pleased to expand eligibility for more people to get vaccinated as we continue to focus on our most vulnerable and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.”
More info: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases
Vaccine updates
This updated plan comes after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine became the third vaccine authorized in the fight against the virus. A company in Grand Rapids, Mich. has been part of the manufacturing process for that vaccine.
“This is truly a remarkable achievement,” Whitmer said. “It is a proud, proud moment for our state, with two of the three vaccines being made right here in Michigan by Michigan workers.”
Pfizer and Moderna are the other companies that have received emergency use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccines.
Michigan will receive an additional 82,000 vaccines from Johnson & Johnson, she said.
President Joe Biden said Tuesday that ramped-up vaccine production will provide enough doses for 300 million Americans by the end May.
Whitmer said it’s a “miracle of science” that three effective COVID-19 vaccines have already been approved less than a year after the first cases of the virus were confirmed in Michigan.
As of Tuesday (March 2), Michigan had administered exactly 2,269,495 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to residents, according to the governor.
Related: COVID vaccine trials underway in older children: What to know