Michigan Residents 16+ Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines
Amy Barczy
| 2 min read
Amy Barczy is a former brand journalist who authored content at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Prior to her time at Blue Cross from 2019-2024, she was a statewide news reporter for MLive.com. She has a decade of storytelling experience in local news media markets including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Ann Arbor and Port Huron.
For the latest updates with vaccine news and information, visit: COVID Vaccine Updates: Get the Facts. As of Monday, April 5, all Michigan residents age 16 years old and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. State health officials, in partnership with the federal government, have been coordinating the rollout of the vaccines in waves since January, prioritizing the vaccination of workers in health care and essential services, as well as those at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. As a result of increased supply of the COVID-19 vaccines, the eligibility requirements have been opened to anyone age 16 and up in Michigan. Vaccination against COVID-19 is essential to combat the pandemic, as variant strains and a recent resurgence in cases indicate the coronavirus still poses a risk to our communities. However, not every provider will have enough supply of the vaccines to initially offer them to everyone. Some providers may have to rely on the state’s prioritization guidelines for booking appointments – in which case, essential workers, residents and staff of long-term or congregate care facilities, adults over the age of 50 and individuals age 16 and up with disabilities and high-risk medical conditions would be prioritized, according to state health officials. Providers with the capacity and vaccine availability can vaccinate anyone age 16 or older as of April 5. As of April 5, there are three COVID-19 vaccines available:
- Pfizer-BioNTech: Requires two doses 21 days apart, authorized for persons age 16 and older
- Moderna: Requires two doses 28 days apart, authorized for persons age 18 and older
- Johnson & Johnson: Requires one doze, authorized for persons age 18 and older
Vaccines are available through hospitals, local governments, commercial pharmacies and providers. Find a vaccination location near you:
- Search for a Michigan location by visiting Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine
- Search for a location in Michigan and nationwide on VaccineFinder.org
Michigan health officials aim to vaccinate 70% of Michigan residents 16 years of age or older — at least 7.2 million people — by the end of 2021. Until the number of positive tests reaches an appropriate level, health experts are urging everyone to continue following COVID-19 precautions – even after being vaccinated: wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing and limit gatherings outside of your household. More from MIBluesPerspectives.com:
- COVID-19 Vaccines: Get the Facts
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will provide $0 cost sharing for COVID-19 vaccine coverage
- Some COVID Long-Haulers Report Reprieve After Vaccination
Photo credit: Prostock-Studio
