This story appeared in the Midland Daily News. Read more here.
Because a flu shot takes about two weeks to become effective, Midland County Department of Public Health’s Dr. Cathy Bodnar said it is not too late to receive a primary dose of the flu vaccine before a potential uptick of flu infections.
“It’s definitely not too late to get your flu shot,” said Bodnar. “If you haven’t gotten one, we would urge people to get it.”
She added that health experts do aim to have a vaccinated population by the end of October each year.
A part of this effort will take place from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Midland Mall. As part of an event dubbed “Kids Day,” Midland families and individuals will be able to receive flu shots, in addition to Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Bodnar said individuals eligible based on age can receive both a flu and COVID shot in the same appointment.
The local health department will be located near Claire’s store inside of the mall, which is at 6800 Eastman Ave. in Midland.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.
“It’s better to get it now before we have an uptick,” Bodnar said. “We have no way of predicting what the flu season’s going to be like.”
Last year, she added, the flu season basically flat-lined. Bodnar attributes that to the effectiveness of COVID-19 precautions, including masking.
“I don’t see nearly the number of people wearing a mask that did a year ago,” Bodnar said. “So, I can only expect that we’ll see some influenza, certainly a higher burden than last year.”
While seasonal flu viruses are detected year-round nationally, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter.
The timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October, according to the CDC. This is why, Bodnar said, the Midland County Department of Public Health has encouraged local families and individuals to attend various county-wide clinics throughout this flu season.
A part of the participation lag could be caused by some Midland area residents having hesitancy over vaccines.
Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu vaccine every flu season with rare exceptions, per the CDC, which also notes vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
Bodnar said the local health department is here to have conversations in an attempt to inform residents seeking the service.
“If we had flu shots as effective as the COVID-19 vaccines, we’d be thrilled,” she said, adding residents should stay up-to-date on their vaccines.
“We’ve been able to take away a tremendous amount of morbidity and mortality because of vaccines,” Bodnar added. “For whatever reason, there’s a lot of misinformation out there because of belief systems that people have that are not based in science. I think the only thing we can do is continue to stick to the science.”
The state of Michigan has yet to reach its goal of 4 million flu vaccines administered this flu season. As of Saturday, there have been fewer than 3.1 million influenza vaccines given.
According to the state’s flu dashboard, Midland County has provided 29,384 doses so far this season.
Bodnar recommends the following based on an individual’s vaccination status:
- If you haven’t been vaccinated for COVID-19: Get your primary series
- If you only had one dose and you have a two-dose series, finish your primary series
- If you’ve gotten your primary series and you’re not boosted, get your booster
- If you’ve not gotten your flu shot for the 2021-2022 flu season, get your flu shot
According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads more easily than flu and a COVID infection can cause more serious illnesses in some people. For more information on both the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19, visit the CDC website’s section on influenza (flu) symptoms and diagnosis at bit.ly/3rXwfTn.
Ongoing COVID-19 Vaccine and Influenza Vaccine Clinics:
COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna and J&J) shots for ages 5 years & up; flu shots for ages six months & up
Midland County Department of Public Health
Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (through February)
By appointment (preferred) or walk-in
COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna and J&J) ages 5 years & up; flu shots for ages six months & up
Midland County Department of Public Health (appointment only)
Friday, January 28 & Friday, February 4
Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics, in addition to Saturday’s event at the Midland Mall
Coleman Jr/Sr High School
Friday, January 28
3 – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer & Moderna) ages 12 and up
Red Oak Restaurant, Sanford (closed on Mondays)
Monday, January 31
4 – 6 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer & Moderna) ages 12 and up
Meridian High School Auditorium
Wednesday, February 2
3 – 5:30 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer & Moderna) ages 12 and up