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COVID -19 Vaccine Update and Standing Recommendation from Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Doctor Natasha Bagdasarian
On September 17, 2025 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an Executive Directive to state agencies to ensure Michigan families can access COVID-19 vaccines. In response to this, the state’s Chief Medical Executive Doctor Natasha Bagdasarian has issued a Standing Recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
“National medical organizations and scientific experts continue to recommend routine COVID-19 vaccination for those at high risk, but also recommend vaccines be made available for all those who want them, ages six months and older,” said Bagdasarian. “COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to reduce the likelihood of emergency department or urgent care visits, as well as hospitalizations and severe outcomes. They are one of our best defenses against the virus. As the state’s chief medical executive, it is my duty to protect and promote public health, and everyone deserves the opportunity to access COVID-19 vaccine if they desire one. This Standing Recommendation will help to protect vaccine accessibility and availability in our state.”
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the 2025-2026 vaccine for those 65 years of age and older and those ages 5 through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. However, the FDA did not define the list of underlying conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list includes conditions such as obesity and physical inactivity and states it is “not exhaustive” and “should not be used to exclude people with underlying conditions from recommended measures for prevention or treatment of COVID-19.”
In her recommendation, Bagdasarian stated, “Any person over the age of six months without contraindication who has not received a dose of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved or -authorized 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine may be considered to have an underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 and is thus eligible to receive an age-appropriate dose.”
MDHHS has several resources available that provide up to date information on vaccines and other health care topics. Visit the MDHHS Division of Immunization page for updates and information on vaccines, statistics and access to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry(MCIR). Immunize.org offers education for healthcare providers and advocates to remove barriers for immunizations for all. On Infodemiology.com you’ll find live dashboards that track trending online health conversations, practical trainings, and the latest resources.
To receive updates from MDHHS, Subscribe to the MDHHS Public Health Bulletin for Health Care Providers.