Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive directive to make COVID-19 vaccines more accessible. The directive asks state agencies to work together to improve vaccine availability as the state prepares for the upcoming cold, flu, and COVID-19 season, according to The Detroit News.
CBS News Detroit reports that the directive was signed on Wednesday and takes immediate effect. It provides guidelines for providers and pharmacists and aims to ensure that all health insurance plans, including Medicaid and private insurance regulated by the state, cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. "We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and healthy," Governor Whitmer said.
The executive directive instructs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and other state departments to guide healthcare providers and pharmacists to prescribe and give vaccines. It also requires insurance coverage for vaccines and aims to remove barriers to access, as per WNEM.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a directive to ensure flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to all residents, regardless of insurance coverage. Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said, "we’re connecting Michiganders with trusted resources from medical experts and helping more families get the safe and effective flu and COVID-19 vaccines." Pediatrician Dr. Lynn Smitherman supported the measure, noting the importance of vaccine access. The group Michigan for Vaccine Choice criticized the directive, with spokeswoman Connie Johnson saying, "It doesn't hold the weight of law" and "It is unfortunate that the governor's directive goes directly against the federal government and the CDC's guidance," as mentioned by The Detroit News. The directive aims to increase vaccine availability ahead of cold and flu season.
