SE Grand Rapids News

Michigan residents aged 50 and older, who have an underlying health condition or disability, will soon be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine under a major eligibility expansion, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced, according to reporting from Bridge Michigan.

Caregivers and guardians of children with special health care needs will also be eligible to receive the shot.

The expansion, which goes into effect starting Monday, March 8, arrives as Michigan is set to receive an influx of new vaccine doses. The state received nearly half a million new doses this past week.

All individuals over the age of 50, regardless of health conditions, will be eligible later this month, the governor said.

“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Whitmer said, according to Bridge Michigan. "I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines to protect you, your family and your community."

Until now, eligibility for the vaccine in Michigan has been limited mostly to health care workers, residents of long-term care facilities, those over age 65 and some essential workers. So far, 1.46 million Michigan residents -- including 807,000 seniors -- have gotten one dose of the vaccine. A total of 834,000 people have received both doses.

The latest expansion will allow more than 2 million additional Michiganders to gain access to the vaccine.

People 50 and older who wish to receive the shot in the next few weeks would need to have a health condition or disability. Applicable health conditions include asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions, hypertension, immunodeficiencies, neurological conditions and obesity, among others outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Qualifying disabilities are determined by the guidelines defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. In general, individuals will be considered eligible if they have a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits their ability to perform one of more major life activities.

“We are pleased to expand eligibility for more people to get vaccinated as we continue to focus on our most vulnerable and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19," Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy Director Dr. Joneigh Khaldun told Michigan.gov. "With three safe and effective vaccines now authorized for use, people should get the first vaccine available to them. These vaccines are the way we are going to end this pandemic."

Residents who are eligible to receive a vaccine should contact their local hospital or health department for information about the registration process. They can also reach out to additional vaccination sites, including local pharmacies like Meijer, Rite Aid or Cardinal Health. Those who do not have internet access or need special assistance can call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136.