Fall is upon us and as the weather cools down, it’s important to keep our health a top priority. Like the annual flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine has been updated with a more recent strain of the virus. As viruses evolve, so do the vaccines to provide the best protection for those who receive it. The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is offering flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines during clinic hours onsite and at community based-flu clinics.

“We ask everyone to consider their own and others’ health. Getting vaccinated is the easiest and best way to reduce the risk of getting sick from the flu or COVID-19,” says Dr. Joshua Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “These vaccines reduce the risk of developing severe complications and hospitalization. It is safe and easy to get the flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment.”

It is recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a flu and updated COVID-19 vaccination. People at greatest risk of developing severe COVID-19 and flu complications remain adults 65 years or older, children under 6 months old, residents in long-term care facilities, pregnant women, and those with underlying illnesses.

Stay Healthy
Here are some ways to prevent the spread of germs:

• Stay up to date with vaccinations,
• Practice good hygiene (ex: hand washing for a full 20 seconds)

If you are feeling sick, here are things you can do to help keep others around you healthy:

• Stay home, except to seek medical care,
• Get tested, if you have a fever of 100 degrees or higher,
• Take care of yourself, drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest,
• Get vaccinated, the best form of prevention.

Vaccine clinics are scheduled in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties with appointments for children and adults. The clinics are running now, through the end of October. Visit our website to view the clinic dates in your county: https://nwhealth.org/adult-immunizations/ and call our local staff at 800-432-4121 to schedule an appointment. For more information on respiratory virus season, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/chronicdiseases/seasonal-respiratory-viruses.