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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is continuing to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy and for everyone 6 months and older.
This recommendation aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, MDHHS said.
Maternal vaccination during pregnancy can reduce the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization for infants by more than half during the first three months of life, MDHHS said.
“There is strong evidence that supports COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and for pediatric patients,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that children under 6 months of age are at the highest risk for hospitalization, and that more than 40% of those hospitalized had no underlying conditions. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to prevent complications of infection. We urge Michigan residents talk to their health care providers about getting vaccinated.”
The MDHHS said staff continuously review evidence on new and existing vaccines, and the evidence overwhelmingly shows vaccines are safe and have saved millions of lives.
The CDC said the 2023-2024 vaccine reduced the risk of COVID-19-associated emergency room and urgent care visits by 65-70% for children in the first two months after vaccination.
The FDA and CDC also reviewed and authorized the COVID-19 vaccine, MDHHS said.
You can learn more about COVID-19 and seasonal respiratory illnesses here.