LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Tuesday that they will grant Governor Whitmer and eight other governors’ request and release the millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
HHS also announced that they will follow Michigan’s lead, recommending that states open up vaccinations to Americans age 65 and up. On Monday, Michigan entered a new phase of vaccine distribution, and began offering vaccine to Michiganders age 65 and older as well as various frontline essential workers.
“Michigan and states across the country remain ready to get more shots in arms, which is why the Trump Administration’s decision to grant our request and release millions of doses of the vaccine is so crucial. It will take all of us – the federal government, state and local leaders, health departments, and everyday Americans – to ensure everyone can get the safe and effective vaccine. There is still more work to do, which is why yesterday, I sent a letter to the Trump Administration requesting permission to directly purchase up to 100,000 doses of the vaccine for the state of Michigan. I am eager to hear back from the federal government regarding my request, and will continue to work with them and leaders everywhere to end this pandemic and save lives.” – Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Last week, Governors Whitmer, Gavin Newsom (CA), Laura Kelly (KS), J.B. Pritzker (IL), Tim Walz (MN), Andrew Cuomo (NY), Tony Evers (WI), Jay Inslee (WA), and Kate Brown (OR) sent a letter to Secretary Azar and General Perna requesting that the federal government distribute the millions of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses that were being held back by the Trump Administration for what they say are reasons unknown.
