Officials are urging Michigan residents to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses, as cases continue to rise.
“At the end of December, trends in respiratory illness reached the highest levels so far this season at both the national level (6.8% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness) and in Michigan (4.5%),” according to a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services press release.
Michigan typically lags behind national trends, which means that in the coming weeks, the state may see even more people fall ill. Children returning to school after the holidays may be a contributing factor, officials said.
The majority of Michigan residents are not up to date on flu, COVID-19, or RSV vaccines. This season, 11% of Michigan residents have received COVID-19 vaccinations, while 23.6% have received influenza vaccinations.
With cases expected to rise, MDHHS says it’s not too late to get vaccinated. All three can be administered at the same time.
Nationally, 11 children have died from influenza during the 2024-25 flu season. None were from Michigan.
“With many respiratory viruses circulating and influenza cases increasing, it is critical that Michigan residents get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive.
“COVID-19 and flu vaccines are effective in preventing serious outcomes, such as hospitalization and death. It is not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones this season.
According to state data, approximately 2.5 million people had been vaccinated as of December 28, out of the 4 million doses of flu vaccine expected to be administered this season.
The highest vaccination rates are among older adults, while the lowest are among school-aged children and college-aged young adults.
With some rare exceptions, the CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive an annual flu shot.
Flu activity typically peaks in February, but can last until May, according to officials.
The body takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop enough immunity to protect against illness.
According to MDHHS, vaccination is especially important for younger age groups as they return to school after the holiday break.
People who are at a higher risk of developing serious complications, such as young children, adults over the age of 65, people with certain medical conditions, and pregnant women, should also ensure they are up to date.
Most Michigan health plans cover vaccines without any out-of-pocket costs.
For more information on vaccines and respiratory illnesses, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance, Michigan.gov/COVIDFluRSV, and ivaccinate.org. and Michigan.gov/flufocus .