LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is using National Influenza Vaccination Week to encourage people to get their annual flu vaccine.
MDHHS said that by getting the vaccine ahead of the December holidays, you can protect loved ones from the flu during family gatherings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine for all people ages 6 months and older, with some rare exceptions. The CDC said that some children aged 6 months to 8 years old may need an additional dose.
Flu vaccines are available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. To find a vaccine location near you, visit Vaccine Finder.
MDHHS said that flu vaccination rates have dropped among people in Michigan since the 2020-21 flu season. In the 2020-21 flu season, 34% of people received a vaccine where only 26% received a vaccine in the 2023-24 flu season.
“The flu season is unpredictable, and we do not want to underestimate the impact the virus can have on the health of our family members,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “National Influenza Vaccination Week creates awareness about the importance of the flu vaccine and serves as a reminder to get the flu vaccine for those who have not done so yet this season. Getting vaccinated against the flu decreases your chances of severe outcomes including hospitalization.”
National Influenza Vaccination Week is a national awareness week focused on highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination that lasts from Dec. 2 through Dec. 6.
You can learn more about seasonal respiratory illnesses and how to protect yourself at Michigan.gov/covidflursv. You can find more vaccination information at IVaccinate.org.
