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COVID-19 Vaccines
s Frequently Asked Questions

Michigan.gov/Coronavirus

The information in this document will change frequently as we learn more about COVID-19
vaccines. There is a lot we are learning as the pandemic and COVID-19 vaccines evolve. The
approach in Michigan will adapt as we learn more. Updated March 3, 2021.

Why COVID-19 vaccination is important

Will COVID-19 vaccination help keep me from getting COVID-19?

Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased
risk for severe illness from COVID-19. COVID-19 can have serious, life-threatening complications,
and there is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. And if you get sick, you could spread
the disease to friends, family, and others around you. Wearing masks and social distancing help
reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures
are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if
you are exposed. Stopping the pandemic requires using all the tools we have available.

What to expect when you get vaccinated

Do I have to pay for the vaccine?

No. You will not be charged any fees for the vaccine, regardless of whether you have health
insurance coverage or not. If you do have insurance coverage, the vaccine provider may charge
your insurance an administrative fee, but YOU will not have to pay anything. (If you are uninsured,
this fee will come from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider’s Relief Fund,
NOT you.)

Do I need an ID to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

In some instances, you may be asked to provide information to verify the county you live in, get
you registered, or to bill insurance. However, identification is not required to get a vaccine.

Will more than one dose of COVID-19 vaccine be required?

It depends on which vaccine you receive. Some COVID-19 vaccines require two doses to complete
the series and to build the best immune response. If a second dose is required, it is very important
that you receive the vaccine from the same manufacturer both times and get the doses within the
required time frame to ensure the best protection from COVID-19.
• The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine require two doses. If you receive the Pfizer vaccine the
second dose needs to be 21 days after the first dose, and the second dose of the Moderna
vaccine needs to be 28 days after the first.
• The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose to build the best immune response.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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How will I be reminded to get the second dose?

MDHHS plans to use multiple ways to notify you of your second dose, if you receive a vaccine
which requires a second dose. COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards (reminder cards) will be
provided when you receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The card provides room for a written reminder
for a second-dose appointment. If you have a smartphone, consider taking a photo of your
vaccination record and entering the date the next vaccine dose is due in your calendar. MDHHS is
also sends text messaging reminders prior to your second dose. In addition, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker” application
for your phone that can send you a reminder.

To ensure the best protection from COVID-19, it is very important to not skip the second dose if
you received a COVID-19 vaccine that requires two doses. The second dose must be from the
same vaccine manufacturer, so it will be important to ensure that where you receive your
second dose has the right vaccine. If you can, it would be best to follow up with the same
provider who gave you your first shot.

What should I do if I miss my second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine?

Even though the supply is limited, your second dose of vaccine has been set aside to ensure you
can receive it in the recommended time frame. If an extraordinary event makes it impossible to
get the second dose on time, it may be administered up to six weeks (42 days) after the first dose.
Beyond six weeks, there is limited data about how effective the vaccine will be, but getting the
second dose is still your best protection, so be sure to get your second dose. If you think you will
have to miss your appointment for your second dose, call to reschedule right away.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not require a second dose.

How will I know which brand of vaccine I received?

You will receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card which will tell you which brand of vaccine you
received and when you are due for a second dose, if required. It is important to keep this card.

Why does the Johnson & Johnson vaccine require only one dose, when the other vaccines
require two doses?
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for one-dose
and has shown to be effective through studies. It is currently undergoing studies for effectiveness
with 2 doses to see how this vaccine will compare to other COVID-19 vaccines. At this time, you are
considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the 1-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19
vaccine.

What is the difference between and mRNA vaccine and an adenovirus vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without
us having to get the illness. Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection,
but with all types of vaccines, the body is left with knowing how to fight the virus in the future.
Neither vaccine uses a live virus – you cannot get COVID-19 from a COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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• mRNA vaccines give instructions to your cells to make a harmless piece of spike
protein from SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19. Recognizing that the piece of
protein doesn’t belong there, your immune system builds antibodies and activates T-cells
to destroy it. In the future, your cells remember how to destroy the protein, protecting you
from the virus.
• Adenovirus vaccine is a type of vector vaccine. This vaccine uses adenovirus (the
virus that causes the common cold) to deliver instructions about COVID-19 to your
cells through a piece of spike protein. Your immune system then builds antibodies and
activates T-cells to destroy it. In the future, your cells remember how to destroy the
protein, protecting you from the virus.

Are the side effects different?

No matter what vaccine you get, it is normal to have mild side effects like fever, chills, fatigue and
headache as well as pain and swelling in the arm where you received the vaccine. This is your
immune system learning how to fight the virus, and indicates the vaccine is working.

Is one of the COVID-19 vaccines proven to be more safe than the other?
All COVID-19 vaccines go through the same process to receive approval from the Federal Drug
Administration (FDA). There is no data to suggest one vaccine is safer than another. At this time
CDC is not recommending for certain groups to receive one vaccine over another. The
recommendation is to receive the vaccine that is currently available to you.

Can I choose which vaccine I want to get when it is my turn to get vaccinated?
While supplies are scarce, it is unlikely that you will be able to choose which vaccine you receive
from your medical provider. You should not wait; you should take whichever vaccine is available to
you. CDC does not make a preference for one vaccine over another.

Can any doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy offer the COVID-19 vaccine?
Initially, the federal government will distribute a limited supply of vaccine to each state. Michigan
has allocated this limited supply to hospitals and health care settings where workers have contact
with patients. Long term care facilities where some of the most vulnerable people live will also
receive supply, which will be distributed through pharmacies and local health departments with
support from the Michigan National Guard.

Doctor’s offices, clinics, and pharmacies who are enrolled in the vaccination program can offer the
vaccine when the vaccine becomes available to them. As supply increases, doctor’s offices, clinics,
and pharmacies will be able to obtain the vaccine directly, hopefully in late Spring 2021.

Will people who have already had COVID-19 be able to get vaccinated?
Yes. People who have had COVID-19 can still get a vaccine. CDC recommends getting it after you
have recovered. You should check with your health care provider if you have questions.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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If I already had COVID-19, should I get vaccinated? Shouldn’t I be immune?

Yes, you should still get the COVID-19 vaccine, even if you have had COVID-19. There is not enough
information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from
getting COVID-19 again; this is called natural immunity. Early evidence suggests natural immunity
from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this.

Do I need to keep wearing a mask after I get vaccinated?

Yes. Michiganders should continue to wear masks, social distance from those not in their
household and wash their hands, even after receiving vaccine. More information is available on
the CDC website in their FAQ document.

Will I have to quarantine and miss work after I get the vaccine?
Getting the vaccine does not require quarantine, but it typically takes a few weeks for the body to
build an immune response after getting the vaccine. This means it is possible you could be
infected with COVID-19 just before or after vaccination. If you believe you have been exposed or
are having symptoms you should quarantine until you talk to your doctor and get tested.

Quarantine instructions for people who are fully vaccinated:

Fully vaccinated persons who meet criteria will no longer be required to quarantine following an
exposure to someone with COVID-19.. Individuals should keep their COVID-19 Vaccination Record
Card so they know exactly how long they may be exempt from quarantine. The immune period
begins two weeks after vaccination and last through three months from the last dose:

• If given a two-dose vaccine series (Pfizer, Moderna) it takes about two weeks after the
second dose to build immunity.
• If given one dose of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), it takes about two weeks
after that dose to build immunity.

Based on the schedules above, the individual may be exempt from quarantine for the following
three months, provided the individual does not have any COVID-19 symptoms. This exemption
does not apply to vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings.

Safety of the vaccine

Is the vaccine safe?

We understand that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated. Safety is the first
priority in vaccine approval. The process used to approve the COVID-19 vaccines is the same
proven process that was used to create safe and effective vaccines for the flu, polio, measles,
whooping cough and more. While the COVID-19 vaccines are being developed as quickly as
possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine
authorized or approved for use.

More information about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine is available at the CDC Vaccine
Benefits website and the CDC Vaccine Safety website.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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How can a safe vaccine be made so quickly?

Vaccine development typically takes many years. However, scientists had already begun research
for coronavirus vaccines during previous outbreaks caused by related coronaviruses (Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). That earlier research provided a
head start for rapid development of vaccines to protect against infection with COVID-19. No steps
were skipped in the development of this vaccine but modifications to the process were made to
shorten the timeline without sacrificing safety, such as:

• Overlapping phase I and phase II clinical trials. Phase I studies include a small number of
people and evaluate whether the vaccine causes an immune response and is safe. Scientists
looked at data from a group of people in phase I as phase II was progressing to make these
evaluations.
• While completing large phase III trials, manufacturers began producing the vaccine, so that if it
were shown to be safe and effective, they would have large numbers of doses ready.
• While waiting for a vaccine to be ready, many other aspects of vaccine delivery were prepared
(e.g., developing plans for how to distribute the first, limited quantities available, ensuring
adequate supplies for distributing and administering vaccine.)

Can this vaccine give me COVID-19?

No. This vaccine gives your body a code which helps it recognize the virus, so your body can fight it
off in the future.

Can I get other vaccines at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine?

CDC recommends that no other vaccine be given 14 days before or after you get the COVID-19
vaccine.

Can women who are pregnant get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The CDC has recommended that pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant may
be offered the vaccine, if they are in one of the vaccine priority groups and in consultation with
their health care provider.

Are there any tests people have to get before getting the vaccine?
The CDC is not recommending a routine pregnancy test or an antibody blood test for COVID-19
before you get the vaccine. You should talk with your health care provider about any questions
you have due to your personal, specific medical history.

Does the vaccine have any side effects?

After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some mild side effects. This is a normal sign that your
body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might
even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Your arm may
be sore, red, or warm to the touch. You may experience a low-grade fever, headache, and just a
general feeling of “not yourself”. These are signs that your immune system is doing exactly what it
is supposed to, which is produce an immune response for you to have protection against this
disease.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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Can people with a history of allergic reactions get the vaccine?

Most people who have food or environmental allergies can still get the vaccine. Prior to getting
vaccinated, talk to your health care provider if you have had any severe reactions to medicines or
vaccines in the past. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare and severe allergic reactions.

How are side effects being tracked?

The CDC runs the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), a national system to detect
any possible symptoms or side effects that occur after someone has had a vaccine. Anyone who
has had a vaccine can report concerns to VAERS.

What is V-safe?
When you get your vaccine, you will get a link to access the “V-safe After Vaccination Health
Checker” for your phone. Through V-safe, you can quickly tell the CDC if you have any side effects
after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. CDC may follow up by phone to get more information. V-safe
will also remind you to get the second COVID-19 vaccine dose when needed.

Vaccine distribution/prioritization

When will the vaccine be available?

Michigan began receiving vaccine in Michigan the week of December 14th. Due to the limited
supply, MDHHS has prioritized how the vaccine will be distributed. Supply of the vaccine will
increase substantially over the next few months. Those eligible to receive the vaccine will progress
as supply increases.

Can I get the second dose of the vaccine in a different state than where I got the first dose?
If you receive a two dose vaccine series (Pfizer or Moderna) it’s important to get the second dose
of the same vaccine in the time frame required for your vaccine. You might be able to get that in a
different state, but you should check before traveling to ensure availability in that state. Consult
that state’s COVID-19 vaccine website. Make sure you have your immunization records, including
the card when you get your first dose.

Who will get the vaccine first?

Distribution of the vaccine in Michigan will be in a phased approach because it will be several
months before supply increases enough to vaccinate everyone.

The CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have defined different
vaccination phases. The ACIP recently voted to update interim vaccine allocation
recommendations. For further information review, The Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices’ Updated Interim Recommendation for Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine.

When will the vaccine be available to the general public over age 16?
The vaccine will be available to the general public when supply substantially increases in 2021,
possibly in late spring. Until then, priority will be given to health care providers, essential workers,
and vulnerable populations. Individuals 16 and 17 years of age must receive the Pfizer vaccine

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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only. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are only recommended for those 18
years and older.

Do we have to wait for one group to be vaccinated before the next group can receive
vaccine? How long will it take to move between phases?
Vaccination of groups in one phase will likely not be complete before vaccination in another phase
begins. Vaccination in these phases will likely overlap.

The timing of the start of vaccination in a phase is dependent on the guidance from CDC or ACIP,
supply of vaccine from the manufacturer, how vaccine is allocated from the federal level to
Michigan, and capacity to administer the vaccine to populations.

We hope to be able to offer vaccination to all individuals age 16 or older in Michigan in late spring.
Individuals 16 and 17 years of age must receive the Pfizer vaccine only. Moderna and Johnson &
Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are only recommended for those 18 years and older.

Why are the phases changing?

MDHHS has revised the implementation schedule in order to achieve the following goals:

• Efficiency. In order to vaccinate rapidly, MDHHS has limited the use of complex
eligibility rules, including rules for determining who is a frontline or essential worker.
For the next stage of the rollout, MDHHS has limited the Phase 1B essential workers
category to workers who have high levels of personal exposure (Phase 1B, Group B).
• Effectiveness. While moving quickly, MDHHS is also targeting vaccine to those at
greatest risk. To date, 80% of deaths have occurred among those 65 and older, and
mortality goes up significantly with age. Michigan is accelerating vaccinations using age
as a key factor in order to prevent deaths.
• Equity. The simplicity of criteria will limit differential access to system based on income
or privilege. Accelerating to age 50 and up addresses concerns around disparity in life
expectancy by race/ethnicity and including those with disabilities in Phase 1C Group B
recognizes the additional risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 in this group.
Vaccination efforts should also ensure that outreach and education strategies focus on
removing barriers to access for the most vulnerable.

How is this following ACIP?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidance and recommendations
regarding COVID-19 vaccination phases can be found here. Currently, we are ensuring that all of
phase 1A is vaccinated as recommended by the ACIP. There are times in which you may see an
overlap of phases. One phase will not necessarily be completed before moving onto another
phase. This is referred to as “gating.” MDHHS updated their prioritization guidance to reflect this.

I am a Phase 1A worker, can I still get a vaccine?

Yes. As we move forward through phases and open our vaccination services more, we can still
ensure that all eligible persons from previous phases and those who missed opportunities during

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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any phase can be vaccinated. ACIP has put forth guidance that states it is not necessary to
vaccinate all individuals in one phase before initiating the next phase; phases may overlap.

I am a Health Care Provider, and I haven't been vaccinated yet, what do I do?
If you are a health care provider who hasn’t been vaccinated and you are part of a larger health
system, you need to reach out to your employer to see if they have a plan in place on when and
how you can get vaccinated. They will help guide you through their COVID-19 vaccination plan and
assist you with when and how you can receive vaccine.

If you are not part of a health system and need to be vaccinated, you should reach out to your
local health department to schedule to get vaccinated. Please do not call the health department
but go to Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine to find out how to schedule an appointment to receive the
vaccine.

How do I sign up to get vaccinated?

First you need to be sure that you fall within the priority group currently recommended to receive
vaccine. You can determine what priority group you are in and if you are eligible to receive vaccine
at this time by reviewing the MDHHS priority guidance.

To find a vaccine:

• Check the website of your local health department or hospital to find out their process or
for registration forms; or
• Check additional vaccination sites, such as local pharmacies like Meijer, Rite Aid or Cardinal
Health (U.P. residents); or
• Residents who don’t have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the
vaccine scheduling process can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1),
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or can
call 2-1-1.

It is important to note that, while supplies are increasing, there remains a limited amount of
vaccine available, so there may be a waitlist for available appointments. As more vaccine becomes
available, the state will be continue to move more quickly through the priority groups.

How do I know if I am eligible for vaccine?

You will know if you are eligible to receive vaccine by reviewing the MDHHS prioritization
guidance. Based on your risk, you will fit into a priority group and phase. Also stay up-to-date with
the information that is being shared through various media outlets. You may also speak with your
primary care provider, who can assist you with determining which priority group you fall into
based on your risk level. It is encouraged that you speak to your primary care provider about any
questions or concerns you may have regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. They know your medical
history best and can help guide you.

Where can I get a vaccine?

Vaccines will be scheduled. Local Health Departments will be scheduling clinics in their

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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communities. To make an appointment to receive your vaccine, do not call the health department
but go to Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine.

We know this will take time and as we move through the phases, more listings will be posted.
MDHHS is not providing vaccination clinics for the public, this will be done through the Local
Health Departments, health systems and pharmacies as they will be engaged as we move to
general populations.

I have heard about drive through vaccine clinics, where do I find one?
Again, vaccination sites will be coordinated through the local health department and may include
what are called dive through clinics. Vaccines are delivered while you remain in your car and
complete the paperwork as well as the required observation time after you have received your
vaccination. Local health departments will communicate availability when these locations are
available based on the phases of vaccination.

What if someone gets the vaccine who is not on the priority list?
We want to follow the prioritization guidance as closely as we can because this ensures that
everyone will be vaccinated in a timely manner based on vaccine distributions we receive. It allows
for vaccination to occur smoothly, so we do not run out of vaccine for those groups who are at
highest risk within each phase. If a person is vaccinated outside of the priority list, we will count
that dose, however, to best ensure we meet the needs of the entire public in an efficient manner
we must follow the established MDHHS prioritization guidance the best we can.

I am a LTC facility who has not had at least one vaccination clinic yet, what do I do?
All LTC facilities that are enrolled in the Federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care
Program have received initial contact from one of the three pharmacy partners in this program;
Managed Health Care Associates (MHA), CVS, or Walgreens. Enrolled LTC facilities should work
with their pharmacy partner to schedule their vaccination clinics. Any enrolled LTC facility that is
having trouble scheduling or working with their pharmacy partner should contact MDHHS at
[email protected]. Any LTC facility that is not enrolled in the federal
partnership program should contact their local health department to obtain COVID-19 vaccine for
their staff and residents.

How do I know if I am a frontline essential worker?

A frontline essential worker is an individual whose job duties are critical to providing sustainment
of life safety and protection to the public. Their role will place them at substantially higher risk of
exposure to potentially infectious persons.

If I am a frontline essential worker, how will I know how to get vaccinated?

If you are an essential worker, you will be notified by your employer. Your employer should assist
you with arrangements for where you would likely receive your vaccination.

Why are Phase 1B and 1C starting at the same time?

Only parts of Phase 1B and 1C started at the same time. This was done for several reasons but
MDHHS felt it important to be sure to target vaccinations to populations most affected by severe

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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COVID cases. As vaccine supplies increase, so will the ability to identify additional eligible
populations for vaccination based on their increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

I am not in one of these groups, how long do I have to wait?

There are many factors that will play into when the vaccine will be made available to the general
public. The largest factor is the amount of vaccine available to first vaccinate the priority groups.
We hope we will be able to offer vaccinations to the general public sometime during the summer.

Why are essential workers receiving the vaccine before the general public?
Essential workers keep systems critical to public health and safety functioning. Workers in
essential and specific industries are considered part of America’s critical infrastructure, as defined
by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. Many of these workers have jobs that
require significant person-to-person interactions. Current data show that many of these workers
are at increased risk for getting COVID-19. Early vaccine access is critical not only to protect them
from becoming ill, but also to maintain the essential services they provide to U.S. communities.

How are essential workers identified and prioritized to receive the vaccine?
MDHHS, Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, local
public health and local emergency management will consider the Critical Infrastructure Protection
(CIP) Program as well as continuity of operations plans in prioritization of some workers.

Vaccination will be coordinated through local public health. In addition, work is underway to
leverage existing relationships with Michigan corporations that could leverage their own
occupational health programs to implement vaccine administration when the appropriate phase is
initiated.

Why are school staff and childcare providers receiving the vaccine before the general
public?
Schools and childcare contribute to children’s growth and well-being by providing educational
instruction; supporting the development of social and emotional skills; creating a safe
environment for learning; addressing nutritional needs; and facilitating physical activity.
Vaccination of these staff is essential to improve the capacity to have in-person instruction.

Will people who are homeless receive the vaccine?

Yes. Local health departments will coordinate with Federally Qualified Health Centers and other
providers to administer the vaccine to homeless individuals.

Will tribal populations receive the vaccine?

Yes. Vaccine will be administered to tribal members through their tribal health clinics.

Will seasonal/migrant workers receive the vaccine?

Yes. Local health departments will coordinate with Federally Qualified Health Centers and other
providers to administer the vaccine. As of March 1, some workers in Michigan’s food processing
and agricultural sector are eligible to be vaccinated. More information on food processing and
agricultural workers.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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Why are children younger than age 16 not included in the vaccine plan?
We await further guidance on whether young children will be recommended for vaccination.
Vaccination of young children is not recommended because of limited data on the vaccine safety
and efficacy in this group at this time. Young children should still make sure they are up to date on
their other important life-saving immunizations.

Vaccine prioritization for people with disabilities or comorbidities –

BEGINNING MARCH 8, 2021

I am a person living with a disability. Am I eligible to receive a vaccination?

Persons living with disabilities age 50 or older are eligible to be vaccinated at this time.

The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of
such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who
do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability.

Examples of major life activities include eating, sleeping, standing, lifting, reading, bending,
concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. In addition, the ADA also includes major
bodily functions (e.g., “functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel,
bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions”).

What medical conditions would make me eligible for vaccination during this phase for
those individuals age 50 and older?
Certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that
causes COVID-19. Severe illness from COVID-19 is defined as hospitalization, admission to the ICU,
intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death.

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
• Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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The following medical conditions might place an individual at an increased risk for severe
illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, and are therefore also eligible for vaccination in ages
50 and above at this time:

• Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
• Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow
transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune
weakening medicines
• Neurologic conditions, such as dementia
• Liver disease
• Overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2, but < 30 kg/m2)
• Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
• Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus

I am a caregiver of a child with special health care needs. Am I eligible to receive a

vaccination?
Caregiver family members and guardians age 16 years and older of children with special health
care needs may be vaccinated at this time. Special health care needs include any physical,
developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting
condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized
services or programs. The condition may be congenital, developmental, or acquired through
disease, trauma, or environmental cause and may impose limitations in performing daily self-
maintenance activities or substantial limitations in a major life activity.

I am 50 years or older but do not have any underlying health conditions or disabilities.
When am I eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
Beginning March 22 and as vaccine supplies become available, individuals age 50 years and older
are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

I am not aged 50 years or older but do have underlying health conditions or disabilities.
When am I eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
President Biden has stated that the United States will have produced enough vaccine for all adults
by the end of May. As more supplies are produced and become available, MDHHS will quickly
change the prioritization guidance to increase eligibility for populations living with underlying
health conditions or disabilities.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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Questions about changes in Vaccine Prioritization Guidelines

Why are mortuary services workers moved up to a higher prioritization category in the
February 15, 2021 updated guidance?
Mortuary workers are exposed to infectious materials and play a vital role in supporting the
healthcare infrastructure and the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Likelihood of
infection is low for this group given the use of Personal Protective Equipment but moving this
group to Phase 1A puts Michigan guidance in better alignment with ACIP guidelines.

I am a member of another group that is not being moved up. What makes these food
processing and agriculture workers a higher priority?
Efforts to keep the food supply chain moving impacts not only Michigan but the rest of the
country. As we approach the spring and summer of 2021, efforts to ensure a healthy workforce
are crucial to food supply chain.

These groups have been connected with outbreaks at meat packing plants, dairies, greenhouses,
and farms. In the spring and summer of 2020, there were large ongoing outbreaks that can
spread between locations and to the communities where these workers live. There was
documented spread from work to group housing or apartment complexes.

How do agriculture and food processing workers sign up for vaccination?

These workers should pursue vaccination opportunities by working with their employers and local
health departments. These workers should contact their local health department. Click on
Coronavirus - Vaccine Locations (michigan.gov) to identify a vaccine site.

MDHHS and MDARD are working with Michigan Primary Care Association and local health
departments on vaccination strategies for seasonal workers. As of March 1, some workers in
Michigan’s food processing and agricultural sector are eligible to be vaccinated.

More information on food processing and agricultural workers.

There isn’t enough vaccine for the groups currently being vaccinated, why are we adding
more?
It is important to note that phases of vaccination will be adjusted based on many factors which
include efficiency, effectiveness and equity. Data is being evaluated to ensure that those with the
highest risk and roles in supporting communities are identified for vaccination based on the
available supply. We understand the challenges and appreciate everyone’s patience while we work
to utilize all vaccine accordingly.

Why aren’t restaurant workers being moved up in the prioritization?

The federal guidelines for vaccination prioritization put restaurant workers are in Phase 1C (food
service workers).

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Updated 03/03/2021
 Page 14 of 15

Additional Vaccine Information

Do the COVID-19 vaccines contain fetal cells?

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has been produced by growing the virus in fetal cells
during vaccine development and manufacturing (using the PER.C6 line). Even though fetal cells are
used to grow the vaccine virus, vaccines do not contain these cells or pieces of DNA.

The mRNA vaccines (those by Pfizer and Moderna) did not use a fetal cell line to produce or
manufacture the vaccine.

Additional information may be found at:

• Questions and Answers about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Vaccine Ingredients-Fetal Tissues
• Immunization Action Coalition
• Charlotte LOZIER Institute
• Science Article

Questions about Special Initiatives

Are we lowering the age of the current priority group to age 60 in the entire state?
No, the age groups in the Prioritization Guidance are not being adjusted at this time. This is a
special initiative for geographic subgroups where the vaccination age is 60 years and older. The
program is being targeted in areas where there was higher COVID-19 mortality over the past year.

Everyone must continue to understand that the vaccine supply is limited, and the vaccination
process will take place over weeks and potentially months for this and other currently prioritized
workforce.

Who can apply to be part of the MDHHS Special Vaccine Outreach for People 60 and Over
program starting March 1? How do organizations apply?
Read the press release for information about the Community Outreach Pilot Project.

How much vaccine is going to FQHCs, otherwise known as Community Health Centers?
The amount of COVID-19 vaccine ordered each week for Michigan providers is available on our
website (Coronavirus - COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard (michigan.gov)). FQHCs have been identified
by the federal government and the state of Michigan as an important provider to reach vulnerable
populations. The very mission of a FQHC is to provide primary care services in underserved
communities. The federal government is providing vaccine to some facilities directly, Michigan is
providing vaccine to those FQHCs that were not covered by the federal program.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Updated 03/03/2021
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Protecting your privacy

What information will be collected about me when I receive the vaccine?

By reviewing the vaccine specific Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) document and agreeing to
be vaccinated you are allowing your information such as name, address, date of birth and the type
of vaccine administered be shared to the state’s registry called the Michigan Care Improvement
Registry (MCIR).

Will information collected about me be shared with anyone?

The Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) database is only visible by approved medical
professionals, staff, and local health departments for vaccination purposes, and they must sign
the MCIR Usage Agreement, which governs protection of your information.

Michigan will share vaccination information with the CDC but in de-identified aggregate form (i.e.,
not containing person-level information such as name, date of birth or address).

Where can I get more information?

• More information is available about coronavirus on the State of Michigan coronavirus website.
• More information is available about COVID-19 vaccines on the State of Michigan COVID-19
Vaccination website.
• If you have additional questions, you can contact the COVID Hotline at 1-888-535-6136.
• For more information about coronavirus review: CDC COVID-19 Vaccine
• Providers who wish to enroll in Michigan’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Updated 03/03/2021