Michigan - Coronavirus COVID-19

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Q&A: Infectious disease specialist talks latest COVID-19 updates

The Detroit News spoke with Dennis Cunningham, medical director of infection prevention at Henry Ford Health, about the latest COVID-19 developments.

www.detroitnews.com

COVID-19 cases are rising in Michigan while a new sub-lineage of the omicron variant, BA.2.86, was recently identified in the state. Experts are encouraging residents to get the latest booster shot, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last week.

Local infectious disease specialists say the updated COVID-19 vaccine will likely protect against the new omicron sub-lineages circulating in Michigan's population. The latest variant, BA.2.86, had been identified in 24 cases worldwide as of Aug. 30 and is likely not responsible for recent increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Everyone over the age of 6 months is eligible for the updated COVID-19 booster shots, according to the CDC. Individuals can search for providers in their ZIP codes using the federal vaccine finder here. COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost for adults who don't have insurance, or whose insurance doesn't cover the full amount through the CDC's Bridge Access Program...