This year’s flu season coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the public’s risk for developing a respiratory illness with potentially serious complications.
Fortunately, a safe, effective vaccine already exists for the seasonal flu and is updated each year in anticipation of the most prevalent flu strains.
The flu shot has proven benefits for people of all ages and is the best defense against the influenza virus. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated, including pregnant women. Each year, the flu vaccine prevents millions of adults and children from getting sick with this serious and potentially life-threatening virus.
Health experts warn that it’s even more important than ever to get this flu shot this year.
“The influenza vaccine is always an important intervention to protect those vulnerable populations in our communities. It also helps reduce the burden of respiratory illness. So, even during the normal flu or winter season that would be important, but during a pandemic like this it’s even more important,” says Christine Nefcy, M.D., FAAP, chief medical officer with Munson Healthcare.
While the best time to get your flu shot is before the season hits, it’s never too late. Community partners have teamed up to offer drive-through flu vaccine clinics in communities across Northern Michigan so individuals can get vaccinated without even getting out of their car.
Cadillac*
Friday, December 4, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Haring Township Fire Department
505 Bell Ave, Cadillac, MI 49601
Serving ages 6 months +
Tuesday, December 1, 5 - 8 p.m.
Cherry Grove Fire Department
4830 M-55, Cadillac, MI 49601
Serving ages 6 months +
Grayling*
Tuesday, November 24, 12 - 6 p.m.
Grayling Fire Department
W. North Down River Rd., Grayling, MI 49738
Serving ages 6 months +
Lake Ann
Thursday, December 3, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
United Methodist Church Community Center
19900 First St, Lake Ann, MI 49650 (Enter on Lake Ann Rd)
Serving ages 2 years old +
Leland
Wednesday, December 2, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Leland Fire Department
201 S Grand Ave, Leland, MI 49654
Serving ages 2 years old +
Mesick*
Wednesday, December 9, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Mesick Bus Garage
615 S Clark St, Mesick, MI 4966
Serving ages 6 months old +
Manistee*
Tuesday, December 1, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Manistee Road Commission
8946 Chippewa Hwy., Bear Lake, MI 49614
Serving ages 6 months +
Traverse City
Monday, November 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Grand Traverse Metro Fire - Station 1
843 Industrial Circle, Traverse City, MI 49686
Serving ages 18 years old +
*Events indicated with an asterisk will have the option to bill insurances for the vaccine, if available, but participants will not be charged any fees. Participants do not have to have insurance to receive a free flu vaccine at any of these events. Face coverings are required at all events.
For those who have not received their flu shot and who cannot make an event, additional clinics are available through local health departments or by calling your primary care provider.
These events are made possible by several partners, including the Benzie-Leelanau Health Department, District Health Department #10, Grand Traverse District Health Department, Manton Adolescent Wellness Center, Mesick Adolescent Wellness Center, Munson Healthcare, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Viking Wellness Center, Visiting Nurses Association, and the Wexford Adolescent Wellness Center.
“We are grateful for the efforts and collaboration across multiple organizations to deliver this important public health service," said Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for District Health Department #10. "Not one single entity had the capacity to do this alone. By pooling our resources, we can now reach more community members than we would have individually. This is public health at its best.”