Michigan Public Health News Center

4 Myths about What It Means for a Vaccine to Be 'FDA Approved'

Arnold Monto Quoted in HuffPost

A recurring sentiment among some in the vaccine-hesitant community is a desire to wait to receive any of the three available COVID-19 vaccines until they have been officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration. And while the FDA has authorized the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines―and is expected to also approve each one in turn―for many people, the difference between “authorized” and “approved” has been confusing. Read more

Severe COVID-19 May Be Linked to Long-Haul Symptoms

New research from Jana Hirschtick

People who experience very severe COVID-19 illness have a higher prevalence of persistent symptoms, according to a new University of Michigan study. Read more

Michigan's New Mask Rules for Fully Vaccinated People: What You Need To Know

Fully vaccinated Americans can now safely shed their masks and skip social distancing, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week, sparking a flurry of questions about how the new guidelines will be implemented at businesses, schools and other places where fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people mingle. Read more

How the United States Beat the Variants, for Now

Emily Martin featured in the New York Times

The country has managed to avoid a variant-fueled spike in coronavirus cases. Scientists say we were lucky. Read more

Michigan Utilities Should Prioritize Public Health Inequities in Retirement Plans, Regulator Says

Amy Schulz Quoted by Energy News Network

The Michigan Public Service Commission is seeking input on how it can ensure utilities incorporate environmental justice as they transition to clean energy. Read more

Even Small Bills for Health Insurance May Cause Healthy Low-Income People To Drop Coverage

New research from Betsy Cliff, Richard Hirth, and John Ayanian

Twenty dollars a month might not seem like a lot to pay for health insurance. But for people getting by on $15,000 a year, it’s enough to make some drop their coverage – especially if they’re healthy, a new study of Medicaid expansion participants in Michigan finds. Read more