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Michiganders Aged 50+ eligible for vaccine starting March 22

Taylor Wizner
/
Interlochen Public Radio

The state of Michigan is expanding vaccine eligibility this month. On March 8, anyone over 50 with a medical condition or disability, plus anyone who acts as a caregiver for children with special needs, can sign up for an appointment. And later in the month, on March 22, all Michiganders aged 50 or older will be eligible.

The news comes one day after President Joe Biden announced a major boost in vaccine production nationwide. Biden says he expects enough vaccines to be produced for all American adults by the end of May.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine last week.

In Michigan, 2.3 million doses have been administered, and more than 40% of Michiganders 65 and older have received at least one vaccine dose. Currently, individuals over 65 and essential frontline workers, including teachers, are eligible to be vaccinated. The state's goal is for 70% of Michiganders to be vaccinated by the end of the year.

“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Governor Whitmer said in a press release. “I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines to protect you, your family and your community."

This story was originally published on Michigan Radio.

Emma is currently the online news intern at Michigan Radio. In addition to covering news, she assists with The Environment Report and other programs. Emma is a senior at the University of Michigan majoring in Communication Studies and Screen Arts & Cultures, and plans to pursue radio and digital journalism in the future. When she's not at Michigan Radio, Emma can be found at various coffee shops around Ann Arbor.