News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Monday, Brad Wheelock is seen holding a COVID-19 vaccine at The Drug Store in Alpena. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) state that everyone from six months and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

ALPENA — Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) are encouraging Michigan residents to get their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

According to Dr. Joshua Meyerson, DHD4 medical director, the COVID-19 vaccine provides “effective and significant protection against severe disease and hospitalization.”

Meyerson stated that everyone six months and older who has not received an updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is eligible to receive one unless they have contraindications — situations where treatments or procedures may cause a risk of serious harm or death.

“People with additional underlying risk factors are at particular risk,” Meyerson added, in regards to COVID-19.

He states that vulnerable populations include everyone over 65 years old, children from six months to 23 months old, and those two to 64 years old with “medical or social factors” that increase the risk of severe disease.

“These factors are very broad and around 75% of adults have at least one risk factor,” Meyerson added.

He explained that “most people” only require a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. He stated that young children receiving the vaccine for the first time, and those who are immunocompromised, “may need an additional dose eight weeks after the previous dose.

“Those that recently had a COVID-19 infection can consider deferring the dose for three months,” Meyerson added.

In a MDHHS press release, Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS’ chief medical executive, has issued recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccination, which helps ensure all who want to get a COVID-19 vaccine can access one.

“COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to reduce the likelihood of emergency department and urgent care visits, as well as hospitalizations and other severe outcomes,” Bagdasarian said in the release. “They are one of our best defenses against the virus. As the state’s chief medical executive, it is my duty to protect and promote public health, and everyone deserves the opportunity to access a COVID-19 vaccine if they desire one.”

According to the release, MDHHS’ COVID-19 vaccine guidance aligns with leading national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Physicians.

“The Michigan Advisory Committee on Immunizations and other key Michigan medical groups also support this guidance,” the release states.

According to MDHHS, vaccines are available at most pharmacies, local health departments, and many health care providers’ offices and clinics. MDHHS states that pharmacies can vaccinate children as young as three years old, but parents are encouraged to confirm the pharmacy’s policy before arriving.

The release states that MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) “are working to ensure” COVID-19 vaccines remain available at no cost to most Michigan residents.

“Michiganders deserve access to COVID-19 vaccines and ensuring that vaccines are covered by insurance is vital to protecting Michigan families, strengthening public health, and reducing long-term health care costs,” DIFS Director Anita Fox said in the release. “DIFS is committed to protecting Michiganders’ insurance coverage for vaccinations.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.