The Michigan Department of Health of Human Services (MDHHS) announced on Monday a new program to increase the state’s equity strategy to impact more Michiganders and their ability to receive the vaccine, according to a state press release.
“I am excited to announce initiatives that will help enhance the state’s equity strategy and allow us to get more vulnerable Michiganders vaccinated,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Workers in higher risk agricultural settings have been adversely impacted by this pandemic. We also know that we need to remove barriers to vaccine access for our most vulnerable individuals in Michigan, including those with disabilities, lower-income, and racial and ethnic minorities. These steps will allow our federally qualified health centers across the state to begin vaccinating and will prioritize vaccine allocation to partnerships and providers who are removing barriers to access. This strategy is important as we move forward with our goal to equitably vaccinate 70% of Michiganders over age 16 and over as quickly as possible.”
Now, mortuary service workers, who routinely work with infectious materials, can be vaccinated as part of group 1A per CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations, according to the press release. Also, 41 federally qualified health centers across the state will receive vaccine allocations to help vaccinate individuals age 65 and older. These community health centers are located in medically underserved areas to provide high-quality, available to everyone – even if they can’t pay, and regardless of their background.
Presently, persons 65 and older are eligible to be vaccinated statewide. Providers with specific plans to remove barriers to access across Michigan can request vaccines for people age 60 and up, the release added.
Also, workers in food processing and agricultural settings, nearly 80,000 Michiganders, can be vaccinated as of March 1 to ensure the health and safety of Michigan’s essential food and agriculture workers, and keep the state’s food supply chain flowing, the press release added.
MDHHS recently announced the state’s strategy to get 70% of Michiganders age 16 and older vaccinated as quickly as possible. The strategy is being guided by the following principles:
- All Michiganders have equitable access to vaccines.
- Vaccine planning and distribution is inclusive and actively engages state and local government, public and private partners; and draws upon the experience and expertise of leaders from historically marginalized populations.
- Communications are transparent, accurate, and frequent public communications to build public trust.
- Data is used to promote equity, track progress and guide decision making.
- Resource stewardship, efficiency, and continuous quality improvement drive strategic implementation.
Updated vaccine prioritization guidance can be found on Michigan’s COVID-19 website at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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