Michigan: Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Don't Forget Your Flu Shot

MICHIGAN — Michigan health officials are urging residents to get their flu shots to help prevent an outbreak of a second communicable disease that could put Michigan's economy and healthcare system at risk amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday announced a state media campaign encouraging residents to get their flu shot, with the goal of giving 33 percent more flu vaccines this year.

"Preventing the flu will help us save lives and preserve the healthcare resources that we will need this fall to continue fighting COVID-19," Whitmer said during Tuesday's news conference. "Every year, hundreds of thousands of people get hospitalized with the flu.

"So, when we all get our flu vaccine, we can help keep thousands of flu patients out of the hospitals, and prevent overcrowding."

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Last flu season, an estimated 3.2 million people in Michigan received a flu vaccine, the state said. 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 vaccine is already available in some parts of Michigan, with an ample supply expected across the state and nation starting in early fall, officials said.

The flu vaccine campaign — Facing the Flu Together — will include multiple media sources including TV and connected TV, social and digital media, podcasts, print and radio advertising. Ads and messages will begin Monday and reach audiences across Michigan, including targeting the most vulnerable and at-risk populations.

Michigan also launched a flu vaccine website, with resources and more information soon to be added.

During the 2019-2020 flu season, the nation recorded 39 to 56 million estimated cases of the flu, 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million flu hospitalizations. Despite its comparison to the common cold, the flu is a very serious and potentially deadly disease, especially for children, older people and people with chronic health conditions, officials said.

Last season, 187 children died from the flu in the United States, including six children in Michigan, officials said.

State officials continue to urge residents to take precautions against the coronavirus, as well.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is still a very real threat," Whitmer said. "It is still very real all across the state of Michigan. It's a threat to our families, it is a threat to our healthcare workers and people on the front lines, and it is a threat to our economy."

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said hospital supplies are particularly crucial during the current pandemic, and warned that a bad flu season could cause problems.

"Given all we've been through with COVID-19 this year there is the need for us to preserve our hospital resources to fight a possible surge of COVID-19," Khaldun said.