LANSING (WWJ) -- As fall kicks off, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has set a goal to vaccinate four million Michiganders during the 2022-2023 cold and flu season.
MDHHS has emphasized the importance of getting a flu vaccine, since flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will likely be spreading at the same time. According to the CDC, people with a higher risk of contracting the flu are also more likely to contract COVID-19.
Vaccines are a safe and easy way for people to protect themselves, their families and the community from sickness.
In a Friday press release, MDHHS chief medical executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian recommended an annual flu shot for all adults and for children older than six months.
“There is an ample supply of flu vaccine available in many convenient locations," said Dr. Bagdasarian, "from primary care providers to local pharmacies.”
She also said that people are able to get their flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots.
While the flu is often compared to the common cold, it is important to remember that the flu is a serious disease that can result in potentially severe complications or death. This is especially true for children, older adults and anyone with a chronic health condition.
For adults over the age of sixty-five, the CDC has issued new recommendations.
When possible, older adults should receive a high-dose influenza vaccine, an adjuvanted influenza vaccine, or a recombinant influenza vaccine.
If none of these vaccines are available, a standard-dose influenza vaccine should be used.
Getting a flu vaccine remains the best way to reduce risk of catching the flu and preventing potentially serious complications.
In addition to preventing individual illness, vaccinations help to reduce community spread. They also lessen the burden on hospitals and medical workers, ensuring that care can be provided in a timely and effective manner.
The Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) reported that about 3.3 million Michiganders received a flu vaccine during last year's cold and flu season.
Flu vaccines are available now at local health departments, physician's offices and pharmacies around the state.
Visit Michigan.gov/flu for more information or visit IVaccinate.org to find answers to your vaccine questions.
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