8/17/21 - Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Expediting Additional Doses of COVID-19 Booster Shot

Experts will recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, 8 months after they have received their second vaccine.

(9&10 News) - As cases of the Delta variant continue to increase, some places are now offering a booster shot for people who are immunocompromised.  The doses would be administered once the FDA approves the vaccines and that could come within days.

The U.S. health officials had recommended the vaccine boosters last week for those with weakened immune systems, citing that they have a higher risk of getting the virus.  

Governor Whitmer signed an executive directive expediting additional doses of the vaccine to protect vulnerable Michiganders.

Medical Director for Population Health at Munson Healthcare, James Whelan, said the booster shot is going to help increase the amount of antibodies that people have, making it less likely to get severely ill.  “What we do know, and on the health care providers side feel very strongly about, almost universally, is that getting the vaccine is both safe… and that we have seen a drastic reduction in the number of people in the hospital, who are vaccinated… versus those who aren’t vaccinated,” he said.

Dr. Whelan predicts the booster shot will be available to everyone by October.