Tag: Natasha Bagdasarian

State’s Chief Medical Executive Shares Standing Recommendation Regarding Children’s Vaccines

Member News

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, issued a Standing Recommendation  Dec. 18 encouraging healthcare providers to follow the children’s immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Dr. Bagdasarian noted that the AAP and AAFP vaccine schedules are evidence-based and support the prevention of infectious diseases. Historically, Michigan providers have referred to vaccine schedules issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee (ACIP) on Immunization Practices for both children and adults. However, recent changes to ACIP membership and recommendations that are not evidence-based, such as discontinuing the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, prompted the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to recommend alternative guidance.

MDHHS emphasized that following AAP or AAFP vaccine schedules will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children across the state.

Clinical leaders from the Michigan Children’s Hospital Collaborative and the Michigan chapter of the AAP expressed strong support for the recommendation. The Children’s Hospital Collaborative stated that vaccine-preventable diseases can have devastating effects on infants and young children and underscored the importance of guidance rooted in rigorous, up-to-date scientific evidence. Clinical leaders noted that adherence to the AAP’s child and adolescent immunization schedule will allow Michigan providers to confidently administer safe and effective vaccines, reduce preventable hospitalizations and protect children.

Vaccines remain a primary tool for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and the MHA supports Dr. Bagdasarian’s standing recommendation to follow the AAP and AAFP immunization schedules as evidence-based guidance that promotes the health and wellbeing of children across Michigan. More information is available on the MDHHS Immunization Recommendations for Michigan webpage.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

State’s Chief Medical Executive Issues Standing Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccine Access

Member News

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.

Senate Subcommittee Hears Testimony on Opioid Settlement Dollars

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capitol building

capitol buildingThe Senate Appropriations Department of Health and Human Services Subcommittee convened March 28 to hear testimony on the state’s opioid settlement dollars. Testimony began with Amy Dolinky, technical adviser for opioid settlement funds at the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), providing an overview of the MAC’s role in supporting the distribution of settlement dollars through county governments. She stressed the importance of utilizing the evidence-based strategies and principles outlined by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for spending of opioid settlement dollars. Next to provide testimony was Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, and Amy Epkey, senior deputy director of financial operations, both representing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). MDHHS used the opportunity to provide an overview of opioid settlement spending, to date.

Last to provide testimony was Dr. Cara Anne Poland, chair of the Opioid Settlement Commission (OAC), Hon. Jamie Stuck, OAC Commissioner representing Tribal Nations and Tara King, coordinator of the OAC. The testimony from the OAC centered around the challenges and barriers the OAC encounters coordinating opioid settlement work with MDHHS. Additionally, the OAC representatives provided an overview of the soon-to-be-released OAC 2024 Annual Report.

The MHA submitted written testimony advocating for the distribution of opioid settlement funds to communities most impacted by opioid and substance use disorder. The testimony also included a list of specific ways the legislators could allocate funds to improve treatment options for patients impacted by opioid and substance use.

Members with questions should contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.