Health care officials are urging mid-Michigan residents to get vaccines for the flu and updated Covid-19 boosters.

National Influenza Vaccination Week kicks off Monday, and the Central Michigan District Health Department is joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recommending annual flu vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older.

Both vaccines can be safely administered during the same visit, according to physician Jennifer Morse, CMDHD medical director, who said National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 4-8.

“National Influenza Vaccination Week is a critical opportunity to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this season,” Morse said. “While the flu season has already started, it will continue for months.

“The vaccine protects against four different strains of flu, so even if you have had the flu this year, it is important to still get vaccinated to be fully protected.”

Preventing both flu and Covid-19 is important to protect yourself and others, Morse said.

Vaccines for flu and Covid-19 decrease the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, which helps prevent added strain on the nation’s medical system, Morse said.

People of all ages, including those in good health, are at risk of getting the flu and having serious complications including death, according to Morse.

There are higher risks of having complications from influenza for those who have serious health conditions, the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, Morse said.

Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness, to lessen its severity if you do get it, and to protect those who cannot get flu vaccines. Flu vaccines protect against the flu, while COVID-19 vaccines protect against the virus that causes COVID-19. Other tips to stay healthy this winter include:
◼ If you are sick, stay home to avoid getting others sick. If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without a fever reducing medicine. If you are positive for COVID-19, the stay-at-home guidance is different.

◼ Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or appear ill.
◼ Consider using a mask or respirator as they can help reduce the number of germs you breathe in. You
can also use masks to help protect others if you are sick with a respiratory illness.
◼ Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
◼ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand
sanitizers are good to use when soap and water are not available.
◼ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and throw the tissue in the trash.
If no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
◼ Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and get as much rest as possible.
◼ People who have symptoms such as a cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, chills, headaches, body aches
(possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting), should call their doctor.

Morse encourages local residents to go to https://www.cmdhd.org/seasonal-flu or contact the CMDHD Personal Health department at (989) 314-7570 for additional information or to make an appointment.

Walk-in hours are available every week at CMDHD branch offices in Clare, Isabella, Arenac, Roscommon, Gladwin and Osceola counties for flu, Covid-19 and routine immunizations.

To find a clinic that is convenient, go to www.cmdhd.org/countyimmunizations.