Coronavirus COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccines

Bivalent Dose Information (last updated April 24, 2023): 

On, April 18, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines to simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals. This action includes authorizing the current bivalent vaccines (original and omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains) to be used for all doses administered to individuals 6 months of age and older, including for an additional dose or doses for certain populations.

Bivalent mRNA vaccines (Only offer Moderna) 

Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.

• CDC’s new recommendations allow an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised.
• Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received a bivalent mRNA vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
• At the time of initial vaccination, depending on vaccine product, children ages 6 months–4 years are recommended to receive 2 or 3 bivalent mRNA vaccine doses; children aged 5 years are recommended to receive 1 or 2 bivalent mRNA vaccine doses.
• People ages 6 years and older who are unvaccinated or previously received only monovalent vaccine doses are recommended to receive 1 bivalent mRNA vaccine dose.

Call 231-882-4409 to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Use CDC’s COVID-19 tool to learn if and when you can get another bivalent dose to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. 

Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Information

MDHHS COVID-19 Vaccine Information 
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information
COVID-19 Vaccine Finder

COVID-19 Testing Kits

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department and Honu Labs has discontinued COVID-19 testing as of March 31st, 2023. 

Free at home test kits remain available at both Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department offices while supplies last. You are encouraged to have kits on hand before you develop symptoms. Home Rapid Test kits can also be ordered online at https://www.accesscovidtests.org/ or https://special.usps.com/testkits. 

What is the health department doing in response to COVID-19?

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is working with federal, state, and local partners to coordinate the response to COVID-19.  This includes investigation and contact tracing of newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases; coordination of testing for those who meet criteria; providing information to health care providers and the public; and planning and conducting COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

What Should Individuals Be Doing To Protect Themselves?

The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to follow the same general guidelines to protect yourself from flu and other common illnesses.

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially before eating, before touching your face/eyes/mouth, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching surfaces that have been touched by many others.  Wash for at least 20 seconds.  if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue
• Clean frequently touched objects with regular household cleaners
• Stay home if you are ill
• Get Vaccinated when eligible
• Wear a face mask indoors. Face Covering Guidance

Guidance and Recommended Information

Archived COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

Archived COVID-19 Press Releases and other Communication