Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, issued a Standing Recommendation on Sept. 19 that expands eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring access for all residents six months and older.
The recommendation follows Executive Directive 2025-7 from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, which requires state agencies to ensure broad access to Covid-19 vaccines. Gov. Whitmer calls on the Michigan Department of Health and human Services (MDHHS) and other state agencies to:
- Issue clear guidance on vaccine safety and efficacy.
- Encourage prescribing and administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible populations
- Identify and remove obstacles to ensure vaccines remain widely available across Michigan.
Under federal approval, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines for individuals 65 and older, and those ages 5-64 with at least one underlying condition that puts them at a higher risk. However, the FDQ did not define qualifying conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a non-exhaustive list, including obesity and physical inactivity, but warns against excluding people from access.
Dr. Bagdasarian’s order clarifies that anyone six months or older who has not received a 2025-2026 vaccine dose may be considered to have a qualifying condition and is therefore eligible for vaccination.
The MDHHS continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with federal and medical guidelines. MDHHS is also working with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to ensure vaccines remain widely available and covered by insurance.
In addition, the Michigan chapter of the American College of Physicians (MI-ACP) and MDHHS hosted a joint webinar, “From Policy to Practice: What Internists Need to Know About the Latest Vaccine Recommendations,” on Sept. 11. Dr. Bagdasarian and Dr. Romesh Nalliah, associate dean for patient services at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, presented to internal medicine physicians on COVID-19 vaccine guidance, potential changes to insurance coverage and availability.
Providers are encouraged to continue emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to their patients and communities.
Members with questions regarding this webinar or vaccine policy should contact the policy team at the MHA.