LANSING — Michigan’s head of public health is highlighting recent state policy changes that should increase access to this year’s Covid-19 vaccine.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive of Michigan, says that recent actions from the state government should protect access despite federal policy changes.
“We followed the science, we followed the data,” she said. “And our recommendation is that for anyone who wishes to get the Covid vaccine over the age of six months without a contraindication — meaning you’re not allergic to the vaccine, you haven’t had a negative reaction to the vaccine — we believe that you should be able to get that vaccine.”
Bagdasarian says that some Michigan residents have been turned away by pharmacies and health clinics while seeking a Covid vaccine after the Food and Drug Administration restricted approval to those over 65 or with underlying health concerns.
“We want to make sure that folks who choose to be vaccinated have the option to be vaccinated,” she said.
Bagdasarian issued a standing recommendation last week that would expand the high-risk category to essentially include anyone looking to be vaccinated.
“If you haven’t received your Covid vaccine already this year, we believe that that could be considered a high risk condition, because it does put you at higher risk for those severe complications,” she said. “So you can check that high risk box.”
Bagdasarian also says that insurance should continue to cover vaccine access.
“There are no changes in insurance coverage for Covid vaccines, so the same vaccines that covered them a week ago, two weeks ago, should cover them today,” she said.
Bagdasarian also addressed claims from President Trump that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy can cause higher rates of autism.
She says that numerous studies have shown that Tylenol is safe for mothers and babies when used in moderation.
“In fact, there was one very large study that looked at siblings that found there was no correlation when you accounted for those genetic factors between autism and Tylenol use during pregnancy,” Bagdasarian said.
Trump also advised pregnant women to “tough it out” if they have a fever, a suggestion that medical professionals forcefully pushed back on.
“We also know that untreated fevers during pregnancy can lead to their own negative consequences,” Bagdasarian said. “So I’m worried there are pregnant women out there who may now be reluctant to take Tylenol for a fever, and we know that fever untreated in pregnancy can have its own consequences.”
After Trump’s comments, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said in a statement that women should consult their doctor or OB/GYN with medical concerns.
But they say that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, remains safe for use by pregnant women.
“The conditions people use acetaminophen to treat during pregnancy are far more dangerous than any theoretical risks,” they said. “The data from numerous studies have shown that acetaminophen plays an important—and safe—role in the well-being of pregnant women.”