(No caption)
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is expanding the population eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccines just now rolling out around the country. Teens age 16 and 17, as well as pregnant women, are now in the target demographic.
The agency, which had said the shot should go only to adults 18 and older, "expanded its guidance to allow Michiganders 16 years of age and older to receive the vaccine and also provided updated information on pregnant women and the vaccine," a statement says.
While there is not currently data on the safety and efficacy of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine in pregnant women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that pregnant women may be offered the vaccine within the priority groups upon consultation with their medical provider.
The state hopes to see 70 percent of Michigan adults vaccinated by the end of 2021. "Vaccine distribution will roll out over a series of weeks, and current estimates are that by late Spring 2021 enough vaccine will be available for everyone who is recommended to receive it," Wednesday's news release says.
The state's Covid caseload appears to be leveling out for now, with related deaths at 11,018.
