LANSING, Mich. - To help ensure access for all individuals wanting to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) are working collaboratively per Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Executive Directive 2025-7.

Additionally, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive, recently issued a Standing Recommendation 2025-1 on COVID-19 vaccination which helps ensure that all who want to get a COVID-19 vaccine can access one.

"COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to reduce the likelihood of emergency department and urgent care visits, as well as hospitalizations and other severe outcomes," Bagdasarian said. "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 a COVID-19 vaccine if they desire one."

MDHHS COVID-19 vaccine guidance aligns with leading national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Physicians. The Michigan Advisory Committee on Immunizations and other key Michigan medical groups also support this guidance.

COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for:

• All infants and children ages 6 months through 23 months, and all children ages 2 years through 18 years with risk factors, and any child over 6 months whose parents would like them to be vaccinated.

• All pregnant women at any point in pregnancy.

• All adults ages 18 to 50. It is especially important for those with risk factors or who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.

• All adults ages 50 and older. It is especially important for those with risk factors or who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Access and availability

Vaccines are available at most pharmacies, local health departments and many health care providers' offices and clinics, including pediatrician offices, across Michigan. We recommend checking their website or calling ahead to confirm vaccine availability. Pharmacies can vaccinate children as young as 3 years old; but parents are urged to confirm the pharmacy's policy before arriving.

Insurance coverage
COVID-19 vaccines remain available at no cost to most Michigan residents. Under Executive Directive 2025-7, MDHHS and DIFS are working to ensure that coverage under state-regulated health plans - including Medicaid - continue to provide vaccine coverage.

"Michiganders deserve access to COVID-19 vaccines and ensuring that vaccines are covered by insurance is vital to protecting Michigan families, strengthening public health and reducing long-term health care costs," said DIFS Director Anita Fox. "DIFS is committed to protecting Michiganders' insurance coverage for vaccinations."

DIFS is prepared to assist consumers with any questions or concerns about their health insurance. Their call center is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 877-999-6442.

Licensee support
LARA reminds licensed health professionals that Michigan law authorizes them to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to any individual - including those outside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved categories - if that professional is doing so under the direction of a physician. This authority also applies to pharmacists who have a collaborative-practice agreement with a prescriber.

LARA also notes that the Standing Recommendation will be taken into consideration should LARA receive a complaint against a health professional regarding the administration of this vaccine.

"Licensed health professionals play an essential role in delivering care safely and in accordance with Michigan law," said LARA Director Marlon I. Brown. "LARA is committed to providing clear regulatory guidance and ensuring that any concerns or complaints are handled fairly. This approach allows health professionals to carry out their duties with confidence while we uphold standards that protect the people of Michigan."

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations at Michigan.gov/COVIDFluRSV.

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