Take Action During National Influenza Vaccination Week

from Health Department of Northwest Michigan 

While fall begins the focus on flu season, December kicks off with National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 5-9. Flu remains a significant public health concern, and the observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week reminds people that there’s still time to get a flu shot. The vaccine protects against flu and prevents the potentially serious complications that can result.

“Flu shots make a difference, and it is not too late to get your vaccine today,” said Dr. Joshua Meyerson, Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) Medical Director. “The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and up. This year, there is increased focus on high-dose flu shots for our seniors.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 51% of Americans get their annual flu shot, making the flu a continuing community concern through each fall and winter.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases is urging everyone 6 month and older to get their flu vaccine, especially adults whose chronic health conditions put them at higher risk for complications. In past flu seasons, 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one underlying medical condition.

Currently, Michigan is seeing low seasonal influenza activity, but seasonal flu is elevated across the country (See related map). Human influenza A and B viruses are the types that cause seasonal epidemics and are those best addressed in this season’s vaccine.

It takes minutes to schedule an appointment for a vaccine. It takes minutes to receive a vaccine.

Contact HDNW at 800-432-4121 to schedule an appointment, visit your primary physician or local pharmacy which administers the vaccines. For a more extensive search of locations, visit vaccines.gov to find a location to get a flu vaccination near you.

If you would like more information on flu activity in Michigan, go to Michigan Flu Focus.

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MIFluFocus 1 5 06

Map: https://www.michigan.gov/flu/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Folder1/Folder43/MIFluFocus_1_5_06.pdf?rev=d5301a5b5098453f84e70cb330b0ae4f&hash=DD58492D11B8F84E441922E580834418

East Jordan and Bellaire Locations are proud to offer both in office and drive thru flu clinics. Call to make your appointment.

Getting a flu vaccine this fall can reduce your risk of getting flu and help save scarce medical resources needed to care for people with COVID-19. It’s important for everyone to do their part to stay healthy this flu season. Prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses:

• Mask Up: Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when out in public.
• Lather Up: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Sleeve Up: Roll up your sleeve to get a flu shot.

The more people vaccinated against flu, the more people protected from flu. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/protect-your-health.html