COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Update

Today MDHHS issued a press release and the following public health bulletin to Michigan clinicians via email.

The Trump Administration may be backing off vaccines, but never fear - the beat goes on in Lansing.

/sarcasm off/

But seriously, check out the suggested messaging to boost patient compliance and bypass federal recommendations. Clearly, Michigan government no longer believes in lockstep agreement with federal policy.

For my fellow federalism fans, we're halfway there. Ideas to get state support for patient autonomy are welcome!

COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Update

Public Health Bulletin for Health Care Providers - July 2025

Dear colleagues,

Recently, the Health and Human Service (HHS) director issued guidance to change COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant persons. The CDC subsequently issued updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance for children.

The newly restructured Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also met, and announced two new workgroups, including a review of the current childhood schedule and another to review the safety and effectiveness of vaccines that have not been reviewed for more than seven years.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continually reviews evidence on new and existing vaccines. This evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that vaccines are safe and have saved millions of lives and prevented tens of millions of hospitalizations in the US over the past 30 years.

MDHHS COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Remain Unchanged

MDHHS is aware that on May 29, 2025, the CDC made updates to the vaccine schedule on their website.

MDHHS continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, including those who are pregnant. This aligns with longstanding guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

Importantly, COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the individual and their newborn. Maternal antibodies passed on during pregnancy provide critical early-life protection for infants.

What This Means for Michigan Providers

MDHHS continues to support evidence-based decision-making grounded in thorough safety reviews. The recent changes in CDC guidance were not based on new data, peer-reviewed evidence, or updated medical studies. MDHHS will continue to independently review all federal guidance to ensure alignment with Michigan-specific health priorities and population needs.

We urge providers to stay informed, discuss the benefits of vaccination with patients using shared decision-making practices, and continue offering COVID-19 vaccines as part of routine preventive care, during prenatal visits and pediatric appointments.

If you have questions about this guidance or need additional support, please contact the MDHHS Division of Immunization at checcimms@michigan.gov.

Thank you for your continued partnership,

Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FACP
Chief Medical Executive, State of Michigan

Sarah Lyon Callo, MS, PhD
Senior Deputy Director and State Epidemiologist, MDHHS Public Health Administration

Recommendations for Clinical Conversations

In light of recent changes, patients may have questions or feel confused about whether they still need a COVID-19 vaccine. MDHHS encourages health care providers to:

• Initiate the conversation with patients, rather than waiting for them to ask. Many may feel unsure or anxious about the recent changes and benefit from proactive guidance.
• Affirm the safety and benefits of the vaccine, especially for young children and pregnant individuals. Reinforce that the vaccine is still available and recommended by leading clinical organizations.
• Clarify the difference between federal schedule changes and Michigan’s current recommendations. Emphasize that MDHHS has reviewed the available evidence and continues to support COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals 6 months and older.
• Use shared decision-making, particularly when talking with families of young children. Help patients weigh risks and benefits in the context of their health history, exposure risk, and personal concerns.
• Reassure patients that the change in CDC guidance was not prompted by new safety concerns, but rather by a shift in how the vaccine is being categorized nationally.
• Bundle COVID-19 vaccination with other preventive care services, such as routine immunizations, back-to-school visits, or prenatal care, to normalize and streamline uptake.

Additional Resources

MDHHS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

Michigan Health Communications Initiative

Sign up for public health communications insights here.
Review social media content about vaccines here.