Protect your health during respiratory virus season

 

As respiratory virus season approaches in Michigan, it is time for individuals to build their immunity to this season’s variants of influenza (“flu”) and coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). 

Immunity can be safely built through vaccination.  Vaccines are designed to teach your immune system how to recognize the virus and fight it, before you are exposed to it.  If you are exposed, your body will be better equipped to prevent severe illness, or the illness altogether.

Vaccines do not cause the illness they are designed to prevent.  Vaccines control the dose of exposure, and the timing of exposure, leaving less to chance.  Flu and COVID-19 are easily spread from person-to-person, and when exposed without vaccine-immunity, there is greater chance for severe illness, which could lead to hospitalization, long-term complications, or death.

“Vaccination is the most important step a person can take to protect their health during respiratory virus season”, shares MCDPH Medical Director Dr. Catherine M. Bodnar, MD, MPH.

 Vaccines are safe and effective for most people.  While there may be some side effects or risks associated with vaccines, they are often mild.  For the vast majority of people, the risks associated with getting the flu and COVID-19 are far greater.  It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination based on your age and medical conditions with a healthcare provider. 

This respiratory virus season, the Midland County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is offering many opportunities for people age 6 months and older to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccine protection:    

         

Community based flu and COVID-19 clinics:

The MCDPH accepts the following insurance:

Aetna, Aetna Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Humana Medicare, McLaren Commercial, McLaren Medicaid, Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage-Blue Cross Blue Shield, Meridian Medicaid, Molina, Priority Health Commercial, Priority Health Medicaid, and Priority Health Medicare

For more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on Seasonal Respiratory Viruses and vaccine recommendations, visit the following site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/seasonal-respiratory-viruses

The mission of the Midland County Department of Public Health is to promote and protect the public’s health through health promotion and disease prevention.  Our vision is that Midland County will be a place where every person has a high-quality life and well-being. 

You can contact the MCDPH by phone at 989-832-6380.  We invite community members to follow us on Facebook and visit our website: https://midlandcountymi.gov/health for ongoing public health information.

This article was shared from Midland County Department of Public Health.

 

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