FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Readying the State’s Vaccine Response to Deliver Booster Shots, Prioritizing Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today, in preparation for the Biden Administration to begin offering booster shots to all vaccinated residents on September 20, issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to begin preparing the state’s vaccine response to administer booster doses to Michiganders. The governor specifically directs the state of Michigan to prioritize booster doses beginning with residents in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and adult foster care.
“Last year, we built the largest vaccine program in our state’s history in record time to ensure that anyone who wanted a vaccine could get one,” said Governor Whitmer. “With booster doses on the horizon, we are reactivating our close partnerships with local health departments and pharmacies to get shots in arms as quickly as possible. We know that this virus still disproportionately affects older Michiganders, which is why I’m also prioritizing booster shots for residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Let’s continue to put the health and safety of Michiganders first, so we can keep our economic jumpstart moving full speed ahead.”
On August 18, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Surgeon General, and Food and Drug Administration announced their conclusion that booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will be needed to maximize the protection that the vaccines provide against the virus. The Biden Administration plans to begin offering booster shots beginning September 20, 2021 to all Americans whose second dose was at least 8 months prior.
“The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be incredibly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy director for health. “Many vaccines, not just COVID vaccines, are associated with a reduction in protection over time, and the FDA, CDC and U.S. Surgeon General have determined that additional vaccine doses could be needed to provide long lasting protection against the virus. These booster doses are an opportunity to stay ahead of the virus and its variants, and protect Michiganders from COVID-19.”
Beginning September 20, the state will offer booster shots to residents who received their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at least eight months prior. Michigan has an ample supply of the COVID-19 vaccine to meet the projected demand.
“Vaccine providers across the state are actively preparing to administer booster shots to Michiganders once once ACIP makes its recommendation,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Available data shows a decrease in protection over time and a booster dose may be needed to better fight the virus, especially as it continues to evolve into more aggressive variants. For those who have not received their first dose, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. The vaccine remains our best protection against the virus and it is the way we are going to end the pandemic together.”
Under an executive order signed by Governor Whitmer on August 13, the state of Michigan has been working to expedite delivery of third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to residents who have compromised immune systems. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who have received organ or stem cell transplants, have advanced or untreated HIV infection, or are in active treatment for cancer or taking high-dose corticosteroids. The state began administering third doses to eligible Michiganders on Saturday, August 14.
“We are pleased Michigan is putting an action plan in place to administer booster shots,” said Paula D. Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan. “It certainly makes sense to start in long term care facilities, where the most vulnerable Michiganders reside. With the increasing impact of the Delta variant, we need to do everything we can to prioritize and protect residents in nursing homes.”
“The MLTCOP appreciates the Governor prioritizing the nursing home population for the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot,” said Salli Pung, State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. “Residents should be given the choice to accept the booster as they did the initial COVID vaccine.”
“We greatly appreciate that the Whitmer Administration is prioritizing residents of long-term care facilities in planning for booster shots,” said Robert Stein, General Counsel, Michigan Assisted Living Association. “This decision reflects prudent public policy to support the health and well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Michigan.”
“We are grateful that the Governor is prioritizing the most vulnerable Michigan residents with this directive, and we encourage the state to also focus on patients receiving in-home care,” said John Grib, President, Michigan Home and Community Services Network.
Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/
COVID-19 vaccine locations can be found at Vaccines.gov.
To view the full executive directive, click the link below:
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State’s Vaccine Response to Deliver Booster Shots
