FLINT, Michigan- In efforts of achieving the goal of vaccinating 70% of people in the State of Michigan, aged 16 years and older, Governor Whitmer held a press conference on March 12th to discuss the expansions for the eligibility of the Covid-19 vaccine. 

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect you, your family and others from the virus,” said Governor Whitmer. “It will help the country get back to normal and help the economy. Nearly one million Michiganders of all races have already been safely vaccinated. I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines.”  

On March 22nd, any one 50 years old and up along with people who are 16 years old and up with disabilities and pre-existing conditions will be eligible to receive the vaccine. On April 5th, all people aged 16 years and older will be able to receive the vaccine, meaning that anyone who did not previously qualify for the Covid-19 vaccine will now be eligible. 

People who qualify: 

Medical conditions that place individuals at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19 are eligible for vaccination and include: cancer; chronic kidney disease; COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); Down syndrome; heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies; immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant; obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2 ); severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 ); pregnancy; sickle cell disease; smoking; and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.