The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced on Monday a new program to enhance the state’s COVID-19 vaccination equity strategy, starting March 1st.

Currently, persons 65 and older are eligible to be vaccinated, but providers with specific plans to remove barriers will also be allowed to request vaccines for Michiganders 60 and up.

Starting immediately mortuary service workers will also be able to be vaccinated as part of group 1A.

Once the new program starts in March, workers in food processing and agricultural settings will also be able to be vaccinated to ensure the safety of essential food and agriculture.

“I am excited to announce initiatives that will help enhance the state’s equity strategy and allow us to get more vulnerable Michiganders vaccinated,” stated Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health, “Workers in higher risk agricultural settings have been adversely impacted by this pandemic. We also know that we need to remove barriers to vaccine access for our most vulnerable individuals in Michigan, including those with disabilities, lower-income, and racial and ethnic minorities. These steps will allow our federally qualified health centers across the state to begin vaccinating and will prioritize vaccine allocation to partnerships and providers who are removing barriers to access. This strategy is important as we move forward with our goal to equitably vaccinate 70% of Michiganders over age 16 and over as quickly as possible.”

The state Department of Health and Human Services also announced a strategy to get 70% of Michiganders age 16 and older vaccinated as quickly as possible.

For more information on the state’s new program, visit here.

Updated vaccine prioritization guidance can also be found on Michigan’s COVID-19 website.