Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
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MDOT: Talking Michigan Transportation
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Whitmer Statement on FDA Approval for Pfizer’s Vaccine
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2020 Media Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Statement on FDA Approval for Pfizer’s Safe, Effective Vaccine
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the United States Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer’s Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 Vaccine:
“This is great news for our families, frontline workers, small businesses, and economy. In Michigan, a state built on hard work and innovation, a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine will be manufactured by Michigan workers at a Michigan business. I want to thank all of our dedicated Pfizer employees for their hard work. My administration, led by Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, is developing a plan to distribute the vaccine, with a focus on our most vulnerable populations. And today, I announced the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission to help raise awareness of the safety and effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, educate the people of this state, and help protect the health and safety of all Michigan residents. One of the most important things every adult should be doing now is planning for how they will get the vaccine when it becomes available to them. I want to remind everyone that we must not let our guard down. It will take time to widely distribute the vaccine, and we must all continue to do our part by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands frequently.”
On Thursday, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 202-193 to create the Protect Michigan Commission, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II; Former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley; Chief Medical Executive and DHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun; Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin; Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, MPH, FAAP, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health; SER Metro CEO Eva Dewaelsche; Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Health Director Soumit Pendharkar; Sp
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Michiganders urged to get flu vaccine
For Immediate Release |
It’s not too late: Michiganders urged to get flu vaccine this winterFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 8, 2020 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@ LANSING, Mich. – This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding Michigan residents that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Since COVID-19 and flu are likely to spread simultaneously this winter, all Michiganders aged 6 months and older should get their annual flu vaccine if they have not already. “As we continue fighting to eradicate COVID-19, it’s crucial that all Michiganders get their flu vaccine to protect themselves and keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “As the weather gets colder and people spend more time inside, I urge everyone to get their flu vaccine, and make sure your kids get one too. I got my flu shot a few months ago – it’s quick, simple and crucial in helping us fight COVID-19. Remember, Michiganders: mask up, practice safe social distancing and wash your hands frequently to protect yourselves, your family and our brave frontline workers from the pandemic.” “Nearly 3 million Michiganders have received the flu vaccine this season,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “It’s great progress, but there’s still more work to be done. We need to prevent a surge of flu cases while we are in the middle of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. National Influenza Vaccination Week serves as reminder to those who have not received the flu vaccine that there’s still time to protect themselves and their family against flu and serious flu complications, like pneumonia.” The state is more than 66 percent towards its goal of 4.2 million flu vaccinations this season. Although the nation recorded 39 to 56 million estimated cases of the flu, 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million hospitalizations during the 2019-2020 flu season, according to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry only 31.6 percent (about 3.2 million) of Michigan residents reported receiving a flu vaccine last season. Michigan ranks 38th in the nation for flu vaccination coverage and falls below the national average of 51.8 percent. Despite its comparison to the common cold, the flu is a very serious and potentially deadly disease, especially for children, older people and those with chronic health conditions. Last season, 195 children died from the flu in the United States, including six children in Michigan. The Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) also reminds Michiganders that flu shots are an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and are covered with no out-of-pocket costs by most health plans in Michigan. Consumers with questions about their coverage should contact their insurance company, and if they cannot get the information they need or have additional questions, contact DIFS for assistance 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance. “Getting the annual flu shot is an important step to protect your health and the health of those around you, especially this year when flu symptoms may be confused with COVID-19, and DIFS is committed to ensuring that cost and coverage are not barriers that keep Michiganders from getting vaccinated,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Expanding access to health insurance and health care is critical to the health of our state, and our consumer service representatives are available to answer insurance coverage questions and concerns.” While flu activity indicators have been low so far this flu season, some flu activity has been reported throughout the state. It’s essential that we continue to take all precautionary measures such as social distancing, wearing a mask, washing our hands thoroughly and especially getting a flu vaccine to protect ourselves and our healthcare resources as COVID-19 continues to spread. It takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to prevent the flu. Michiganders should get their flu vaccine now to protect themselves before activity increases in Michigan. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged 6 months and older. There are many flu vaccine options available this season, and residents should speak with a healthcare provider about which is best for them. There is ample supply of flu vaccines available at many locations throughout Michigan, including doctor’s offices, pharmacies and local health departments. To find a location near you, visit Vaccinefinder.org. For more information about flu activity in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Flu. |
Michigan Commission to Educate Michiganders on COVID-19 Vaccine
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 10, 2020 Medica Contact: Press@
Governor Whitmer Announces Bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission to Educate Michiganders on COVID-19 Vaccine Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, Blake Griffin to serve among bipartisan co-chairs
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-193 creating the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help raise awareness of the safety and effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, educate the people of this state, and help protect the health and safety of all Michigan residents.
“Right now, we are on the brink of great breakthroughs when it comes to a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, and we must begin to educate Michiganders about how important it is that we all get vaccinated so we can eradicate this virus once and for all. That’s what the Protect Michigan Commission is all about,” said Governor Whitmer. “This bipartisan group of leaders is uniquely equipped to help reinforce the importance of everyone getting vaccinated. Until we eliminate COVID-19 once and for all, we must continue to wear masks, practice safe social distancing, and wash hands frequently. Let’s all continue to do our part.”
The Commission will be chaired by: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II; Former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley; Chief Medical Executive and DHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun; Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin; Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, MPH, FAAP, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health; SER Metro CEO Eva Dewaelsche; Soumit Pendhar
“This year, we have confronted some of the greatest challenges of our generation, and, in every moment, Michiganders have risen to meet these challenges head-on,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “With a safe and effective vaccine on the horizon, the Protect Michigan Commission is bringing our state together once again to ensure that every Michigander has the information and resources they need to get vaccinated at the appropriate time. Our clearest path to healthy communities, a growing economy, and kids learning in their classrooms is through this vaccine.”
“One of the most important things every adult should be doing now is planning for how they will get the vaccine when it becomes available to them. The Protect Michigan Commission will make sure all Michiganders have the information they need to make those plans,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “As we get closer to distributing a safe and effective vaccine, think about how you can play a role in ending this pandemic. Wear your mask now so you can prevent the spread, and avoid indoor gatherings. 2021 will be the year when Michigan beats back this pandemic, we just have to stay the course.”
The Protect Michigan Commission will serve in an advisory capacity to Governor Whitmer and DHHS, and will, among other things, provide public leadership to elevate and reinforce the importance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, identify barriers that may impede the acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine by Michigan residents, including identifying areas or groups within this state that are likely to experience vaccine hesitancy, and develop an outreach action plan designed to overcome these barriers. The Commission must complete its work and submit a brief final report to the governor by December 31, 2021.
“If we’re going to ensure that everyone in our state has the information they need to get a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, we must all work together as Michiganders,” said former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley. “I am grateful for Governor Whitmer’s leadership on this issue, and proud to serve alongside Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and all of these leaders on a bipartisan commission that truly reflects the great diversity of our state. Let’s get to work.”
“I’m honored to have Governor Whitmer call on me to serve on the Protect Michigan Commission and look forward to working with the other co-chairs to raise awareness for how a safe and effective vaccine can help end the coronavirus pandemic,” said Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin. “I encourage everyone in Michigan to develop a plan for themselves and their families to get vaccinated and protect themselves against COVID-19. In the meantime – remember to wear your mask, practice social distancing and we’ll all get through this together.”
Currently, Pfizer and Moderna have submitted requests for emergency use authorization of COVID-19 vaccines to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Khaldun and her team at DHHS are developing a plan to distribute the vaccine in Michigan, with a focus on our most vulnerable populations, frontline workers, and educators. The initial groups to be vaccinated will be critical workers in our health care systems, including those working in hospitals, first responders, and more.
To apply to serve on the Protect Michigan Commission, visit michigan.gov/
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