Gov. Whitmer Encourages All Eligible Michiganders to Get COVID Boosters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

November 17, 2021 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Gov. Whitmer Encourages All Eligible Michiganders to Get COVID Boosters 

FDA approval of booster expected this week for all Michiganders 18 and up at least 6 months out from vaccination, Michigan has administered over 1.1 million boosters to date, 7th nationwide  

LANSING, Mich. - Ahead of the FDA's expected approval of boosters for all adults this week, Governor Whitmer today encouraged all Michiganders 18 and up who are at least six months out from their second dose of the effective, FDA-approved COVID-19 to schedule their booster shot as soon as approval is granted. Michigan is making good progress on boosters, with over 1.1 million administered to date, 7th nationwide. She also called on parents to take their children to get vaccinated in order to protect them from COVID-19 and its variants, and has urged long-term care facilities to prioritize scheduling onsite clinics to deliver boosters to residents and staff to protect those at highest risk.   

"As we continue facing COVID, the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated, and if you're eligible, get your booster shot," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "This week, the FDA is expected to authorize the booster shot for every Michigander 18 and up who is 6 months out from being fully vaccinated. I am proud of the progress we have made on boosters, with over 1 million administered to date. We need to build on that momentum and ensure that everyone who is fully vaccinated gets a booster too. I also encourage parents to take their children, 5 and older, to get vaccinated because it is the best way to prevent them from getting sick, being hospitalized, or developing long-term symptoms from COVID-19." 

"Michigan is still facing COVID-19, and we have to work together to reduce cases and keep people out of the hospital," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan Chief Medical Executive. "The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continue to closely monitor the data and work with our partners in local communities. We are concerned about rising cases and hospitalizations and have to keep working together to administer more vaccines and boosters at a rapid pace. After nearly two years of facing COVID-19, we have more tools to keep people safe and help those in the hospital recover, but the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated and get your booster." 

"The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages all families to maximize vaccine protection: vaccination starting at age 5 and booster dose for those eligible," said Dr. Matt Hornik, President of the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "This will help protect all family members as we enter the holiday season and as we see both COVID and influenza cases on the rise. It will also help decrease outbreaks as children head back to school after the holidays."  

Guidance For Michiganders  

Michigan COVID Information 

Recently, Michigan crossed an important goal set forth by Governor Whitmer to have 70% of Michiganders 16 and up vaccinated against COVID-19. While there is still plenty of progress to be made, this level of coverage will help protect even more people and keep them out of the hospital. 

Yesterday evening, Governor Whitmer participated in a public health briefing with the state's leading epidemiologist, experts from the University of Michigan, and officials from local public health departments. The administration's priority remains keeping people safe from COVID-19 by encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and those who are eligible to get their booster. 

Find a vaccine today at VaccineFinder.org 

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