OTTAWA COUNTY — Following changes in federal guidelines for COVID-19 immunization, local and state specialists are urging residents to stay informed on vaccines and talk with their healthcare providers.

Last month, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will no longer be recommending healthy women and children receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the Food and Drug Administration, have set similar age qualifiers on recently approved shots, leading experts and individuals to feel unclear on the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and insurance coverage.

Days after the May 27 announcement, the CDC shifted language on its website to say pregnant women and children 6 months to 17 years old who are not immunocompromised “may” receive the COVID-19 immunization.

No further information is provided, aside from the CDC’s recommendation that healthy pregnant women and children discuss immunizations with their healthcare providers. Adults 65 and older are still encouraged to receive two doses of the updated vaccine. 

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said they’ve both received CDC guidance, and are focusing on how to best support individuals regarding immunizations.

Ever since COVID-19 prevention treatment was made available, the CDC recommended the yearly vaccine to both demographics. The change represents a broader shift in the federal government’s health policies since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Gwendolyn Unzicker, medical director of the OCDPH, said that while the department gets its information from the CDC, it also relies on the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The AAP says the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children. Similarly, the ACOG strongly recommends immunization for pregnant women who may be at risk of getting COVID-19, which can cause health problems including premature birth. 

“We know that every family has different values, concerns and health situations,” Unzicker said. “We respect that parents are the ones making these decisions for their families. The most important thing is that healthcare decisions should be made between patients and their trusted healthcare providers who know their individual health situations best.” 

According to a prepared statement to Ottawa News Network by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the department continues to urge all Michigan residents to use the “tools available to them” to make informed decisions on vaccinations.

“At this time, that includes taking preventative measures such as testing and getting vaccinated for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV if they are eligible,” the department said in the statement.

In addition to shifts in federal vaccine guidelines, certain brands’ immunizations have also been limited for use in certain demographic groups. 

Last month, the FDA approved a new COVID-19 vaccination by Moderna: mNexspike. Compared to the company’s current immunization Spikevax, the new shot provides a lower dose by honing in on its immune target. However, mNexspike has only been approved for adults over 65 and ages 17-64 with at least one health condition that puts them at risk of getting COVID-19. The same qualifiers have also been set by the FDA on a Novavax immunization.

Unzicker said that although official recommendations have changed, healthcare providers can still work with patients to determine what is best for them on a case-by-case basis.

“If someone wants a COVID-19 vaccine, even if they don't fit the specific recommendations, they should talk to their healthcare provider about their personal risk factors and health needs,” Unzicker said. “It's important for people to know that COVID-19 vaccines are still available in Ottawa County. People shouldn't assume they can't get one if they want it.”

In areas across the country, health officials have also expressed concern over what they perceive could be a limited access to vaccinations this fall due to changing CDC and FDA policies. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services noted they haven’t received information regarding the future availability of COVID-19 immunizations. Unzicker added the OCDPH is closely following the matter.

“While we can't predict exactly what will happen with vaccine supplies nationwide, we can say that we're watching this closely and staying in touch with the state health department and our vaccine suppliers,” Unzicker said. 

In terms of insurance coverage, backing for COVID-19 vaccinations is subject to change due to ongoing decisions made by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The committee met June 25-27, and was expected to review data and vote on vaccine recommendations. The recommendations play a role in determining insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act for immunizations.

Insurance companies will make coverage decisions upon hearing the recommendations of the committee. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, information may be available following the Immunization Practices meeting.

Earlier this month, Kennedy removed all 17 members of the committee, naming new appointees days later. Following the committee’s gutting, Dr. Fiona Havers, the CDC official in charge of collecting data on COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations, resigned ahead of this month’s meeting.

Support Our Work

Ottawa News Network is a nonprofit news service dedicated to providing the residents of Ottawa County with trustworthy, community-driven news. ONN treats journalism as a public good — something that enriches lives and empowers Ottawa County’s 300,000-plus residents to stay engaged, make informed decisions, and strengthen local democracy. Please consider giving today.

Unzicker emphasized that while insurance coverage is “complicated and changing,” immunizations that are encouraged by healthcare providers are often covered by insurance companies.

“Generally, when vaccines are recommended by medical experts, insurance companies are more likely to cover them,” Unzicker said. “But, every insurance plan is different. If someone needs a vaccine but is worried about cost, they should call their insurance company first to ask about coverage.”

She added that if insurance won’t cover a vaccine or someone doesn’t have insurance, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health might have programs to help. 

Unzicker encourages county residents to contact the health department if they have questions or would like help understanding their immunization options.

— Contact ONN reporter Hailey Hentz at hhentz@ottawanewsnetwork.org.