4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FLU SEASON It's time for your flu vaccine! WASHTENAW COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Washtenaw County Health Department encourages everyone six months and older to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) this fall. Flu is already at moderate levels in Washtenaw County, and flu activity usually increases during or after the December holidays. “We don’t know yet how bad this flu season will be, but we do know that getting an annual flu shot is the best way to avoid getting seriously ill from the flu,” says Nifiah Reid Sanders, MHA, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing at the Washtenaw County Health Department. Vaccination protects against severe cases of illness, hospitalization and death due to flu. Getting vaccinated also helps reduce the spread of flu in our community and protects the people around you. “Flu vaccines aren’t meant to prevent every single case of flu illness; they’re meant to keep you out of the hospital,” continues Reid Sanders. “Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are more likely to get very sick from the flu, including babies and young children, older adults, pregnant people and people with chronic health conditions.” Everyone six months old and older should get a flu vaccine each year. New flu variants emerge every year, and scientists work to develop a vaccine that offers the best possible protection against these new strains. A flu vaccine from a previous year will not necessarily protect you during the upcoming flu season. Some people have mild side effects after getting a flu vaccine, including headaches, muscle pain, fever, tiredness and soreness. Side effects typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Along with getting vaccinated, it is also important to stay home if you are sick, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, wash your hands often using soap and warm water, and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. See washtenaw.org/flu for ongoing information and surveillance on this year’s flu season. Where to Get Vaccinated Flu vaccine is widely available at local health care providers, pharmacies and community events. Most people with insurance can get flu shots at their doctors’ offices or pharmacies for free. See vaccinefinder.org for local options and call before visiting. The Washtenaw County Health Department has flu vaccines for those 6 months old and older. Call 734-5446700 to schedule. You can walk in (555 Towner in Ypsilanti) without an appointment during the following hours for vaccines (flu, COVID-19, MMR, and more): Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Washtenaw County Health Department accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Care Network, Washtenaw Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and some other insurance plans. People who don’t have insurance can get both flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the Health Department for as low as $35 total, or $23 for one vaccine (while supplies last). Let the staff know if you don’t have insurance when you schedule or come in. Services will not be denied to people who are unable to pay. Last Year’s Flu Season 270 Washtenaw County residents were hospitalized with the flu during the 2025-2026 season. People 65 years old or older made up most of these hospitalizations (52%). There were eight flu-related deaths reported in adults. There was one flu-related death in a Washtenaw County child. A summary of last year’s flu season will be available on the Washtenaw County Health Department website in the coming weeks. About Flu Flu is a contagious illness that can be spread person to person through droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. Symptoms of the flu include coughing, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, sore throat, headache, fatigue, fever and/or chills. The flu can make anyone sick, but older adults, children, pregnant people and individuals with chronic health conditions are at greater risk of severe complications. Flu season coincides with increases in other respiratory illnesses, like RSV and COVID-19. An updated 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months old and older. RSV vaccines and protective treatments are available for babies, pregnant people, adults 75+ years old, and adults 50 to 74 years old with certain health conditions. OCTOBER 16, 2026
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