Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 3, 2021

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Children ages 5 to 11 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
Parents urged to protect children by vaccinating as soon as possible

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), doctors and state public health leaders today urged Michigan parents to get their children ages 5 to 11 vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 pediatric vaccine, which received emergency use authorization for this age group from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and was recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Nov. 2.

MDHHS is recommending providers begin vaccinating children ages 5 to 11 years as soon as possible.

“Being able to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine brings us hope and also an additional opportunity to urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We know these vaccines work and protect our children and their families. Even healthy children can suffer serious affects from COVID-19. The vaccines remain our way out of the pandemic, and more than 825,000 more children in our state are now eligible.”

In Michigan, there have been more than 201,000 confirmed COVID cases in those age 19 and younger, and 20 deaths have been reported in ages 10 to 19 as of Nov. 2. More than 450 children under the age of 12 become infected with the virus each day.

“It is important to get children ages five and up vaccinated as quickly as possible to save even more lives and reduce serious illness,” said MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel. “Getting the safe and effective vaccines are an effort that every eligible Michigander can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, and to help end this pandemic. Working together we can help some of our youngest Michiganders get back to more normal activities with friends, sports teams, classmates and more.”

Based on data provided by Pfizer, the vaccine was shown to be nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic disease from COVID-19 in this age group. The pediatric formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, 21 days apart, at one-third the amount of the adult dosage. Clinical trial participants demonstrated a strong immune response one month after the second dose. The most commonly reported side effects, typically lasting one to three days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever and joint pain. With the exception of pain at the injection site, more children reported these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose.

More than 825,000 Michigan children will now be eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. With more than 4,000 vaccine providers across the state, including family physicians and pediatricians, urgent cares, local health departments, federally qualified health centers and pharmacies, there are plenty of providers and vaccines available for eligible children. MDHHS has ordered 287,700 doses for the initial rollout, which is the full allocation provided by CDC for the launch of vaccination efforts. Vaccines will be available immediately beginning Nov. 3, and parents can find a vaccine by visiting Vaccines.gov or by calling 211.

“Vaccinating the children of Michigan against COVID will make it safer to continue in-person schooling, visit with family members, especially over the holidays, and will allow Michigan kids to resume normal activities they have missed during this pandemic,” said Dr. Matthew Hornik, DO, FAAP, president of the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Children have struggled tremendously during this pandemic, the COVID vaccine is a game changer for 5 to 11 year olds. Pediatricians are available to answer any questions or concerns parents have regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and are gearing up to administer the vaccine to children as soon as it is approved by the CDC.”

Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19. To date, more than 42% of children ages 12 to 15 have received their first dose the safe and effective Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Data from the FDA and CDC show that children 5 to 11 years of age account for approximately 9% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. overall, and approximately 40% of pediatric cases. COVID-19 has infected 1.9 million children ages 5 to 11 nationwide and hospitalized 8,300. About one-third of hospitalized children required treatment in the ICU. 146 children have died, and over 5,000 have developed Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder (MIS-C).

From January to October, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for 93.1% of COVID cases, 90.7% of hospitalizations and 90.5% of deaths.

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.

For the latest information is available visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 1, 2021

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer announces Macomb, Oakland residents affected by summer flood can apply for one-time food assistance payment

Disaster Food Assistance Program helps low-income households that did not already receive food assistance benefits during July

LANSING, Mich. – Low-income residents of Macomb and Oakland counties who were affected by late June flooding and did not receive food assistance benefits during July 2021 can soon apply for federal Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will accept in-person applications during specified hours on six days at locations in each of the two counties beginning Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Households determined to be eligible will receive a one-time-only benefit to spend on food that is $430 for a household of two and $782 for a household of four.

“Michiganders in Macomb and Oakland counties were among those who saw their homes, property, and prized possessions damaged by historic flooding this year,” Gov. Whitmer said. “In Michigan we look out for one another, and as governor, I want to ensure that every family can recover and thrive through difficult times. I am proud of the work MDHHS is doing to deliver disaster food assistance to impacted families in Macomb and Oakland.”

In September Whitmer received approval from President Joe Biden of her request for a presidential disaster declaration related to the summer floods to be extended to Macomb and Oakland counties. Previously, the president approved a similar request for Wayne and Washtenaw counties, which allowed eligible residents of those two counties to apply for Disaster Food Assistance in August.

Now USDA Food and Nutrition Service has approved the federal disaster food benefits for the two additional counties.

MDHHS will assist impacted residents in applying for Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have lived in Macomb or Oakland counties on June 25, 2021.
• Not have received food assistance benefits in July 2021, commonly known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Food Assistance Program benefits in Michigan.
• Meet income requirements for its family size based on the household’s take-home income and accessible liquid resources during the disaster benefit period, minus unreimbursed disaster expenses. That translates to an income of approximately 150% of the federal poverty level. By comparison, eligibility for traditional food assistance is based on an income that is 130% of the poverty level.
• Be directly affected by the flooding, which means the household has experienced at least one of the following due to the disaster:
  • Destroyed or spoiled food.
  • Disaster-related personal injury.
  • Lost or no access to income due to the disaster, including reduced, terminated, or delayed receipt of income, for a large part of the benefit period.
  • The need for home or business repairs.
  • Temporary shelter expenses.
  • Evacuation or relocation expenses.

“Addressing food insecurity is always a priority for MDHHS,” said Elizabeth Hertel, the department’s director. “When times are tough – whether from a once-a-decade pandemic or historic flooding – it’s even more important for us to help our neighbors so they don’t have to worry about feeding their families,”

Under federal requirements MDHHS will complete an in-person interview with each applicant before the disaster food assistance can be approved.

Applicants must provide verification of their identity and are encouraged to bring proof of residence, income, and liquid assets such as the amount of money in their bank accounts during the disaster period, if possible. Proof of citizenship is not required. Face masks will be required at all sites. Applicants are asked to bring their own mask if possible, however, masks will be available if needed.

In both counties, applications will be accepted:

• Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Thursday Nov. 4, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 6, from 8 a.m.-noon
• Monday, Nov. 8, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m.-noon.

Residents can apply at three Kensington Church locations:

• Macomb County.
  • Kensington Church, 25000 Hall Road, Clinton Township.
• Oakland County
  • Kensington Church, 4640 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion.
  • Kensington Church, 1825 E. Square Lake Road, Troy.

People who are elderly or have a disability will have access to prioritized lines, seating, water, handicap-accessible parking and restrooms, and other accommodations as needed.

Households approved for Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits will be issued a Bridge Card, an electronic benefits card similar to a debit card that can be used to redeem their food assistance benefits at eligible retail stores and farmers markets.

Benefits will be available 24 hours after approval. Households should redeem the benefits promptly. For a list of SNAP authorized retailers, including farmers markets and farm stands, please see USDA’s SNAP retailer locator.

In August, MDHHS provided $11.5 million in federal disaster food assistance benefits to residents of Wayne and Washtenaw counties.

More details about disaster food assistance are available at Michigan.gov/FoodAssistance.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 27, 2021

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Virtual award ceremony announced for 163 MI HEARTSafe Schools during the 2020-2021 school year
649 schools receive designation in eight-year history

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Education (MDE), American Heart Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young (MAP-SCDY) will virtually celebrate 163 schools receiving the MI HEARTSafe School designation for the 2020-2021 school year on Oct. 28. Since the program began in 2013, 649 schools have earned this honor.

With schools returning to in-person instruction, preparation for cardiac emergencies has never been more important. This year, 163 schools are being recognized for efforts to keep up with preparedness activities during the 2020-2021 school year. There are 54 schools receiving the award for the first time.

To receive a MI HEARTSafe School designation, schools must have:

• A written medical emergency response plan and team that can respond to an emergency during school hours and after-school activities and sports.
• Current CPR/AED certification of at least 10 percent of staff and 50 percent of coaches, including 100 percent of head varsity coaches and physical education staff.
• Accessible, properly maintained and inspected AEDs with signs identifying locations.
• Annual cardiac emergency response drills.
• Pre-participation sports screening of all student athletes using the current physical and history form endorsed by MHSAA.

“Sudden cardiac death claims the lives of more than 250 Michigan children and young adults every year,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Having schools prepared for cardiac emergencies can help decrease the number of these tragedies and prepare school employees to have the training necessary to respond in a timely manner and avert what could be a life-threatening situation.”

Keeping up with the MI HEARTSafe School criteria is vital for maintaining a safe environment for schools. Resources to help meet the criteria are available on the MI HEARTSafe School website. MAP-SCDY will also be hosting a virtual workshop in January to educate schools on how to become a MI HEARTSafe School.

“We are proud to support Michigan’s HEARTSafe schools,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “Ensuring schools are prepared for sudden cardiac emergencies through planning, training and life-saving AEDs is an important part of having safer learning environments for students, staff and the community.”

This is MI HEARTSafe Schools program’s eighth year. A HEARTSafe designation lasts for three years, and 45 schools received their third MI HEARTSafe award this year. It is encouraging and commendable to have schools continue to renew the designation every three years. A total of 477 schools are designated as MI HEARTSafe Schools.

A list of participating schools is available online.

For more information about the MI HEARTSafe Schools program, visit Migrc.org/miheartsafe or email.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 25, 2021

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month
MDHHS encourages Michiganders to get tested for hepatitis C

LANSING, Mich. – October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. It is estimated there will be 1,180 new cases of liver cancer and 940 deaths from liver cancer in Michigan this year. Approximately 50% of liver cancer is related to hepatitis C, which is why it is important for all Michiganders to be screened.

Hepatitis C, a virus spread through contact with blood from an infected person, is a leading cause of liver cancer; however, many people are unaware they are infected because there are often no symptoms and they do not feel sick. Over time, hepatitis C may become a chronic or long-term infection that can cause liver damage. When symptoms do appear, they often are a sign of advanced liver disease. In recognition of Liver Cancer Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging Michiganders to contact their health care providers and ask to be tested for hepatitis C.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have expanded their testing recommendations to encourage hepatitis C testing among all adults 18 and older at least once in their lifetime and during every pregnancy.

While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, there are safe and effective oral medications that can cure people living with the infection. Hepatitis C medications, called direct-acting antivirals, have greater than a 95% success rate with minimal side effects. Hepatitis C treatment is approved to treat children and adults ≥ 3 years of age. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent liver cancer and protect people from other severe health complications, including fibrosis (liver scarring) and cirrhosis (late-stage liver scarring).

To eliminate hepatitis C in Michigan, MDHHS launched the We Treat Hep C Initiative on April 1. The initiative aims to expand access to hepatitis C treatment among Michigan Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries by lifting prior authorization requirements for the hepatitis C medication, MAVYRET®. Since MDHHS removed prior authorization on Mavyret on April 1, there has been an 80% increase in the number of beneficiaries who have received treatment.

In addition to hepatitis C, excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis B and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are also risk factors for liver cancer.

During Liver Cancer Awareness Month, MDHHS encourages Michiganders to:

• Get tested for hepatitis C
• Seek treatment for hepatitis C if currently infected. Treatment can prevent potential adverse health outcomes, including liver damage and liver cancer.

Visit Michigan.gov/WeTreatHepC for more information on hepatitis C testing and treatment.

Visit Michigan.gov/LiverCancer for more information on hepatitis C and liver cancer.