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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