Monthly Archives: October 2021

(October 6, 2021 8:34 AM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced more than 10 million primary series doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Michiganders. The state has also administered more than 207,000 third doses to those who are immunocompromised and booster doses to eligible individuals. To date, 68.3% of Michiganders age 16 years or older have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three vaccines – bringing the state close to its goal of 70% vaccination rate.  "As of today, Michigan has surpassed 10 million doses of hope in the form of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine," said Governor Whitmer. "Thank you to the more than 5.5 million Michiganders who have gotten vaccinated to keep themselves, their families and communities safe. Whether it’s completing your first or second dose, or getting your booster or additional dose of the vaccine, I urge all eligible Michiganders to make a plan to get theirs today. The vaccine remains the best way to help us get back to normal and continue our strong economic progress.”  From January to July 2021, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations and 96% of deaths.  "The safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is already protecting millions of Michiganders from this deadly virus," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "With the Delta variant circulating and cases of COVID-19…

(October 5, 2021 6:16 PM) Henry Ford Health System reported Tuesday that 99 percent of its workforce is compliant with its COVID-19 vaccination requirement. The figure means team members are either fully vaccinated, on the way to completing a two-dose regimen or received an approved medical or religious exemption. “This is a true testament to Team HFHS and how much our team cares about your health, the community’s health, their own health and the health of their teammates,” said Bob Riney, President of Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer, during a briefing with reporters. “We’re really grateful for their dedication.” On June 29, Henry Ford became the first health system in Michigan to announce a vaccine requirement for its workforce. At the time of the announcement, the workforce vaccination rate was 68%. The requirement took effect Sept. 10. Key compliance numbers released Thursday: More than 30,000 team members are fully vaccinated About 1,900 team members, or 6 percent of the workforce, received an approved medical or religious exemption. The number of exemptions is expected to wane should the COVID-19 vaccine become part of regular vaccination maintenance, like the flu vaccine About 400 team members, or about 1 percent of the workforce,…