Michigan Upholds COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendation for Pregnant Women, Children Amid National Guideline Shift

In 2025, the U.S. FDA has narrowed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, restricting approvals mainly to high-risk groups such as adults over 65 and certain children, while removing recommendations for healthy adults and pregnant women, shifting instead to a 'shared decision-making' approach. This change could lead to loss of insurance coverage for vaccinations among healthy populations, creating barriers to vaccine access. Contrastingly, Michigan health officials, including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), strongly advocate continued COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals aged six months and older, emphasizing the vaccine's safety during pregnancy and its effectiveness in preventing severe illness and hospitalizations in infants and children. MDHHS aligns with leading medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, citing data that maternal vaccination cuts infant hospitalization risk by over half and reduces emergency visits for children by about 65-70% shortly after vaccination. Michigan officials criticize the recent federal guidance changes for creating confusion and highlight ongoing evidence supporting vaccine safety and public health benefits. Thus, while federal policy trends toward limited vaccine use, some states maintain a robust pro-vaccine stance to protect vulnerable populations.