Updated COVID-19 vaccines roll out in Metro Detroit
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are hitting the shelves across Metro Detroit.
Why it matters: Much of the country has been hit by a COVID spike this summer.
- As of Aug. 29, Michigan is the only state seeing "low" viral activity from wastewater surveillance data, per the CDC.
- Neighboring states such as Illinois, Indiana and Ohio are experiencing "high" to "very high" viral activity.
Driving the news: Late last month, the FDA approved new formulations of both Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. As of Tuesday afternoon, the updated shots (2024-25 formula) were available at CVS and Walgreens locations.
- CDC advisers recommend people 6 months and older get the latest vaccines, which target the KP.2 variant that has dominated cases nationwide this summer. KP strains account for about 70% of U.S. cases currently.
Between the lines: Although the state health department says COVID vaccines are generally available, a spokesperson did not have details about any statewide plans for publicizing their availability.
- The spokesperson said the state urges all residents to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including "getting vaccinated for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV if they are eligible."
Zoom in: Detroit will have updated vaccines in time for its health department block party on Saturday, which will include screenings, vaccinations, games, and music from 12 to 4 p.m. After that, the vaccines will be available at the city's immunization clinic on Mack Avenue and at other wellness centers.
- Henry Ford Health said in a statement that it will offer the updated Pfizer vaccine in its primary care clinics this fall. A start date wasn't specified.
By the numbers: As of June, 63% of Michigan residents had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 13% had received the updated 2023-24 vaccine.
- In Detroit, 49% of residents received at least one dose, and more than 6% received last year's update.
- Nationwide, around 22% of adults received a 2023-24 dose.
What they're saying: Public health experts say getting the latest shot can boost waning immunity from prior infections or shots and provide more protection against the latest variants.
Yes, but: For people who have caught COVID recently, the CDC recommends waiting three months after you recover before getting another shot.
Go deeper: Where to find the new COVID vaccine booster shots