LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recognizing National Influenza Vaccination Week this week, December 5 to December 9, and is reminding Michigan residents that it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that from October 1 to November 12, there have been at least 4.4 million illnesses, 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths associated with flu so far this season.
“Influenza cases are on the rise in Michigan, and the situation is expected to worsen over the next several weeks. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your families against the anticipated surge of influenza,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for MDHHS. “It is not too late to get vaccinated this season — please get vaccinated today to prevent yourself from getting the potentially severe consequences of influenza this holiday season and to help prevent further burden on our health care system.”
Health officials say the early surge of flu activity is occurring along with significant activity of another respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), throughout the country and in Michigan. They say while there is no current vaccine to protect from RSV, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can help protect against respiratory illnesses and they can be given at the same visit.
CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons ages 6 months and older with rare exceptions.
According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, as of November 12, approximately 2.2 million people in Michigan have received their flu vaccine for the 2022-2023 flu season, which is 60.9% towards the state’s goal of reaching 4 million doses of flu vaccine administered this season.
Health officials stress that it takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to prevent the flu.
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) also reminds Michiganders that flu shots are an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and are covered with no out-of-pocket costs by most health plans in Michigan.
“Annual flu shots help keep you healthy and protect people around you, which is why they are covered at no cost by most health insurance plans in Michigan,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Consumers with questions about their health insurance coverage should contact their insurance company and if they cannot get the information they need or have additional questions, DIFS is available to help. Contact DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.”
Flu vaccines are widely available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state.
Visit Michigan.gov/flu for more information or visit IVaccinate.org to find answers to vaccine questions.
