LANSING (WWJ) -- Michigan residents aged 12 and up are now “strongly encouraged” to receive Pfizer’s third booster vaccine for extra protection against COVID 19 and its variants, state officials said on Thursday.
The message from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources (MDHHS) comes after the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced their approval of Pfizer’s third booster vaccination, stating that it can be given to eligible residents who have completed their primary series of COVID 19 vaccinations at least five months prior.
This announcement shortens the initial booster window from six months.
"Vaccines are the way out of the pandemic, and we can further protect children ages 12 and up from COVID-19, which continues to surge in our state,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. "Keeping our children safe includes getting them vaccinated and boosted, and this in turn will help keep them out of the hospital and alleviate the stress on our health care system. Getting vaccinated is the safest way to face COVID-19 and prevent severe illness and death.”
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Pfizer is currently the only approved COVID-19 vaccination for people ages 5 through 18. It is also approved to be given the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
It is estimated more than 6.3 million Michiganders, ages 5 and up, have received their initial COVID 19 vaccination. State officials hope more residents complete their series and receive their booster to help fight against the virus.
“As data evolves, new recommendations are expected and we are optimistic to have more information available fight COVID-19. We urge all Michiganders ages 5 and up to get vaccinated, and Michiganders ages 12 and up to receive their booster as soon as they’re eligible,” said Bagdasarian.
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Residents are asked to schedule their COVID vaccinations — primary or booster — at vaccines.gov.
For more information about the COVID 19 vaccine, please visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
You can follow the latest on COVID 19 within the state at Michigan.gov/coronavirus