Elizabeth Hertel Director | Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Website
Elizabeth Hertel Director | Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Website
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recommending that residents receive vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV to protect themselves and their communities against respiratory viruses during the upcoming fall and winter season.
This recommendation follows recent authorizations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines. The updated vaccines are expected to provide protection against severe COVID-19 disease from currently circulating variants. The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered alongside other vaccines, including those for flu and RSV.
Respiratory infections are projected to cause millions of illnesses, thousands of hospitalizations, and deaths throughout the United States and Michigan this year. During the past two flu seasons, 16 Michigan children died from influenza – the highest number recorded in any two-year span over the last 20 years.
“Our best protection against severe illness from these infections are annual vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 and a single dose of RSV for older adults or pregnant individuals,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “The influenza vaccine is widely available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and local health departments. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available and recommended for everyone six months and older. We urge Michigan families to get these vaccines as soon as possible. You may still become ill this winter season, but these vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from severe disease, which can land you in the hospital or even cause death.”
According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, seasonal flu vaccine coverage among Michiganders has decreased each year since the 2020-21 flu season. Coverage for the 2023-24 season was 26% overall, down from 34% in 2020-21. This combined with low COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Michiganders for the 2023-24 season (12.5%) is cause for concern. Getting vaccinated against these viruses helps contain their spread within communities and reduces severe illness and hospitalizations.
To find a vaccine location near you, visit Vaccine Finder.
To learn more about seasonal respiratory illnesses and how to protect yourself, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDFluRSV.
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