LANSING, Mich. — Nearly 2.4 million Michiganders have gotten their flu vaccine this season, putting the state more than halfway towards its goal of 4.2 million flu vaccinations, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today.
“It’s more important than ever that Michiganders get their flu vaccine to protect themselves and their families and help us save crucial resources for hospitals to fight the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “As we head into the winter months and the 2020-2021 flu season, I urge more Michiganders to get their flu vaccine, and make sure your kids get one too. And as always, mask up, practice safe physical distancing, and wash your hands frequently to protect yourselves, your family, and our brave frontline workers from COVID-19. We will get through this together.”
“This is great news, but we still need more Michiganders to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief deputy for health and chief medical executive. “Influenza can be deadly and getting the flu vaccine is a step we can take to protect against it. Every flu-related hospitalization we see this season will put an additional strain on our hospitals that are already dealing with a surge of COVID-19 patients.”
During the 2019-2020 flu season, the nation recorded 39 to 56 million estimated cases of the flu [lnks.gd], 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million hospitalizations. Despite its comparison to the common cold, the flu is a very serious and potentially deadly disease, especially for children, older people and those with chronic health conditions. Last season, 187 children died [lnks.gd] from the flu in the United States, including six children in Michigan.
The flu vaccine is available across the state and residents can find a location nearby at Michigan.gov/Flu [lnks.gd].
As part of the statewide effort to increase the number of flu vaccines administered this season, MDHHS has partnered with several organizations, including Kroger and Meijer pharmacies. Most recently, Meijer has teamed up with the Detroit Tigers and the Lansing Lugnuts to host two free flu shot clinics.
The walk-up and drive-thru events will be held Monday, Nov. 9 and Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Comerica Park in Detroit and Jackson Field in downtown Lansing. The doses are being provided by the State of Michigan and will be administered by the Meijer Pharmacy Team.
The clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 9 and noon to 6 p.m., Nov. 10 at the following locations:
- Comerica Park, 2100 Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Parking for the walk-in clinic will be in Lot 1 off Woodward Ave. Participants can then enter the Park at Gate A. For those looking to take advantage of the drive-through option, they will enter Lot 1, proceed to Lot 2 (directly adjacent to Lot 1) for registration and then follow instructions to the "D Garage" where the shots will be administered.
- Jackson Field, 505 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Lansing, on the concourse. Parking for the walk-in clinic will be in the parking lots directly in front of the stadium. In partnership with the City of Lansing and Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority, the drive-in clinic will be held at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave. Access to the drive-in location will be on City Market Drive off Cedar St.
At all locations, participants must fill out paperwork and get temperatures taken before the vaccination is administered. CDC guidelines will be followed; social distancing will be in effect, hand sanitizer will be readily available, and masks will be required and provided onsite.
Last flu season, an estimated 3.2 million people in Michigan received a flu vaccine as documented in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). While reporting doses to the MCIR is strongly encouraged, it is not mandatory for adults aged 20 years and older. The state has set a goal of achieving a 33 percent increase in flu vaccination this season, which means more than 1 million people over last flu season.
The state’s I Vaccinate [lnks.gd] campaign is working to educate residents about the safety of vaccinating. In an effort to help parents protect their children from all serious vaccine-preventable diseases, I Vaccinate provides the facts parents need to make informed decisions about vaccinations.
Michiganders should contact their local health departments, physicians or pharmacies to schedule a time to get the flu shot, and to seek out credible sources like IVaccinate.org [lnks.gd] for answers to vaccine questions. For more information about the flu, visit Michigan.gov/Flu
Want to see more local news ? Visit the FOX47News Website.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
