Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine plan expands to 50+ with certain conditions: What to know

Michigan will expand its COVID-19 vaccination plan to include all Michigan residents aged 50 and over by the end of March.

Main points of the expansion:

• Starting on Monday (March 8), any Michigan resident age 50 or older with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities will be eligible to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. Family members of caregivers and guardians who care for children with special health needs will also be eligible to receive the vaccine.

• On March 22, all Michiganders aged 50 and over will be eligible.

More information: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: how to find appointments, information on stages

We have some answers to common questions about the Michigan COVID-19 expansion below (from MDHHS).

Certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious illnesses caused by the virus that causes COVID-19. Serious COVID-19 disease is defined as hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation or mechanical ventilation or death.

• Cancer

• Chronic kidney disease

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

• Down’s syndrome

• Heart problems, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies

• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) of solid organ transplantation

• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30 kg / m2 or greater, but <40 kg / m2)

• Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg / m2)

• Pregnancy

• Sickle cell anemia

• Smoke

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

The following medical conditions can put an individual at an increased risk of serious illness from the virus that causes COVID-19 and therefore are also eligible for vaccination at ages 50 and above at this time:

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• Asthma (moderate to severe)

• Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)

• Cystic fibrosis

• Hypertension or high blood pressure

• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to blood or bone marrow transplantation, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or use of other drugs to weaken the immune system

• Neurological conditions, such as dementia

• Liver disease • Overweight (BMI> 25 kg / m2, but <30 kg / m2)

• Pulmonary fibrosis (with damaged lung tissue or scarring)

• Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Family members of the caregiver and guardians aged 16 or over of children with special health needs may be vaccinated at this time. Special health care needs include any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive or emotional disabilities or limiting condition that requires medical management, health intervention and / or use of specialized services or programs. The condition can be congenital, developmental or acquired through illness, trauma or environmental cause and can impose limitations in carrying out daily activities of self-reliance or substantial limitations in an important activity of life.

As of March 22 and as vaccine supplies become available, individuals 50 years of age or older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

President Biden said the United States would have produced enough vaccine for all adults by the end of May. As more supplies are produced and made available, the MDHHS will rapidly change the prioritization orientation to increase eligibility for populations living with underlying health problems or disabilities.

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It is important to note that the stages of vaccination will be adjusted based on many factors including efficiency, effectiveness and equity. Data are being assessed to ensure that those at greatest risk and role in supporting communities are identified for vaccination based on the available supply. We understand the challenges and we thank everyone for their patience as we work to use all vaccines accordingly.

More information: Dr. Frank McGeorge from Local 4 answers questions about the COVID vaccine

People with disabilities aged 50 or over can be vaccinated at this time (March 8). The ADA defines a person with a disability as one who has a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more important activities in life. This includes people who have a history of such a disability, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who are not disabled, but are considered to be disabled.

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Examples of life’s main activities include eating, sleeping, standing, getting up, reading, bending over, concentrating, thinking, communicating and working. In addition, the ADA also includes important bodily functions (for example, “immune system functions, normal cell growth, digestive, intestinal, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive functions”).