State health officials in Michigan are urging residents of all ages, starting from six months and older, to consider getting the newly approved 2023 COVID-19 vaccine as part of their strategy to safeguard against the virus during the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
The green light for the new vaccine came after rigorous evaluations and approvals from crucial authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Michigan Health Officials Encourage All Ages to Get 2023 COVID-19 Vaccine
These organizations collectively authorized the new vaccine for emergency use, underlining its safety and efficacy.
One of the primary objectives of this new vaccine is to protect against severe COVID-19 cases that may arise due to emerging variants of the virus.
As a result of this significant update, health officials have announced that the previously authorized bivalent Moderna and bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer available in the United States.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive, emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccines, especially during the fall and winter virus season.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has provided specific recommendations for different age groups:
- Individuals 5 years of age and older, regardless of previous vaccination: These individuals are eligible to receive the updated vaccine at least two months after they received the last COVID-19 vaccine dose.
- Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age should receive two doses of the Moderna vaccine or three doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, along with at least one dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have already completed the initial series with prior vaccines can get the updated vaccine at least two months after their last dose.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised: These individuals should complete the initial series with at least one dose of the updated vaccine and may receive one or more additional 2023-2024 vaccine doses.
Read more: Choosing The Right Vaccines: COVID, Flu, And RSV Options
Free COVID-19 Vaccines: Access for All Michiganders, Insured or Not
Crucially, health officials emphasize that the majority of Michiganders can access the vaccine for free.
Residents without health insurance or health plans can obtain the vaccine at no cost. They can contact a healthcare provider, visit a local pharmacy participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, contact their health department, or explore Vaccines.gov for additional information on securing a free vaccine.
As Michigan and the rest of the nation continue to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, this new vaccine offers hope and protection for individuals and communities, bolstering our collective efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the colder months ahead.
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