‘It’s critical that vulnerable populations be given the vaccine first’
LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jim Runestad on Thursday sent a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon urging that seniors, those with underlying health conditions, and front-line and essential workers be given priority in the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan.
“It is no secret how hard the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt seniors and those with underlying health conditions, and it is no secret how hard our front-line and essential workers have worked to protect and serve their neighbors during this pandemic,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “It’s critical that vulnerable populations be given the vaccine first.”
Runestad said that prioritizing vulnerable populations is the recommendation of experts advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and while there may be a long way to go in terms of vaccination trials, testing and more, it is imperative that Michigan decides now how a vaccine program will be implemented.
“I’ve made it my mission to make a difference for Oakland County families, seniors and the most vulnerable among us,” he said. “Prioritizing the vaccine for those individuals, as well as those on the front lines fighting the virus, is a decision both Republicans and Democrats should be able to get behind.”
