MICHIGAN, USA — CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen was in Detroit on Thursday, where she urged Michiganders to get their updated vaccines ahead of the holidays.
This comes as respiratory illnesses are spiking in Michigan. Cohen said 800 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the past week, and hundreds more are suffering from cases of RSV.
She emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated before gathering for the holidays to help protect yourself and your family.
"The good news is we have plenty of supply of the vaccines...Folks can get a free vaccine at places like CVS and Walgreens," Cohen said. "And we know that most folks live within five miles of a CVS or Walgreens. So plenty of sites to go get those vaccines and they can be free for you, if you don't have insurance."
The CDC says only 16% of adults in the U.S. are vaccinated. It's a number Dr. Cohen said is too low.
"We need to get folks vaccinated to make sure they're protected," she said. "What I've been trying to remind folks is that I'm not just the CDC director, I'm also a mom...I got (my daughters) the updated flu vaccine, I got them the updated COVID vaccine, I got myself vaccinated, my husband, and importantly, my parents who are over 65."
A new COVID-19 strain makes the virus more transmissible, which highlights the need for vaccinations, according to Cohen. She said COVID vaccines should become routine just like flu vaccines to best protect yourself.
Cohen said that while many people want to move on from the pandemic, the virus is here to stay.
"Unfortunately, those viruses are still here. They're changing. That's what I'm here to remind folks," she said. "And I don't think that we can forget about them. So we need to keep vigilant. We have to make sure we're protecting ourselves."
Cohen is encouraging anyone who feels sick to get tested for COVID-19 and seek treatment.
To find a vaccine clinic near you, click here.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.