LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Saying there is hope on the horizon, Governor Gretchen Whitmer Thursday announced the Protect Michigan Commission within the Department of Health and Human Services, which she says will help raise awareness of the safety and effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
“Right now, we are on the brink of great breakthroughs when it comes to a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, and we must begin to educate Michiganders about how important it is that we all get vaccinated so we can eradicate this virus once and for all. That’s what the Protect Michigan Commission is all about,” Whitmer said.
The Commission will be chaired by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and will also include former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley; Chief Medical Executive and DHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin, and other medical executives from around the state.
The Protect Michigan Commission will serve in an advisory capacity to Governor Whitmer and the DHHS.
Drug manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have submitted requests for emergency use authorization of COVID-19 vaccines to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Governor said Dr. Khaldun and the DHHS are developing a plan to distribute the vaccine in Michigan, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations, frontline workers, and educators. The initial groups to be vaccinated will be critical workers in our health care systems, including those working in hospitals and first responders.
In an answer to a reporter’s question during her press conference, Whitmer said there will be no mandate for vaccinations.
