Michigan’s chief medical executive has issued essential guidance aimed at eliminating confusion for both vaccine providers and residents regarding this year’s COVID-19 booster shots. According to Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, any individual older than 6 months without contraindications, who has not yet received the 2025-2026 vaccine, can be considered as having an underlying condition that qualifies them for vaccination. Dr. Bagdasarian emphasized that simply not being vaccinated qualifies as an underlying condition, referencing studies that indicate last year’s booster decreased the risk of severe illness leading to emergency room visits by 33% and reduced hospitalization risk by 45%.
“National medical organizations and scientific experts continue to recommend routine COVID-19 vaccination for those at high risk, while also advocating for vaccines to be made available to everyone aged six months and older who wants them,” stated Dr. Bagdasarian. As the state’s chief medical executive, she expressed her commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to access the COVID-19 vaccine if they wish to do so.
On September 19, Bagdasarian issued a “standing recommendation” concerning the COVID-19 vaccine. It is crucial to note that this is not a mandate but rather an effort to provide clarity and support to both vaccine providers and the public. “This gives providers the necessary support to interpret the FDA label and confidently say, ‘Yes, you’re at higher risk, and we feel comfortable administering the vaccine because this is best practice in Michigan as outlined by this standing recommendation,’” she explained.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. also indicated that vaccines will remain available for “all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.” However, in late August, federal regulators imposed new eligibility restrictions when they approved the latest COVID vaccines. These restrictions limit vaccinations to individuals aged 65 and older or those with health conditions that elevate their risk of severe illness from coronavirus infection. Unfortunately, regulators did not provide a complete list of underlying conditions and referred to a list from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which was also not exhaustive. This lack of clarity has led to conflicting federal messages and ambiguous eligibility guidelines, resulting in confusion for vaccine providers and individuals seeking a booster this fall.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to endorse COVID booster shots for anyone aged 6 months and older, with exceptions for those who have a vaccine allergy or other conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated. This state guidance aligns with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Susan Kressly, President of the AAP, emphasized the risks respiratory illnesses pose to infants and toddlers, stating, “As we enter respiratory virus season, any barrier to COVID-19 vaccination creates a dangerous vulnerability for children and their families.”
In a proactive move, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered state agencies to eliminate barriers to vaccine access for any resident who desires a shot. This includes ensuring that all health insurance plans under state regulatory authority cover vaccines to the fullest extent possible.
For more detailed information about COVID vaccines, including how to access them, residents are encouraged to contact their primary care physician or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
