‘Tis the season for getting your COVID-19 and flu vaccines

Henry Mayo Bateman lithograph. Public domain image.

submitted by Beth Ann Hamilton, Washtenaw County Health Department

We are entering the time of year where more people get sick from COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Vaccines can prevent serious illness during respiratory illness season, especially for those who are at higher risk.

“Vaccines are our best tool for preventing serious illnesses and hospitalizations in our community,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, Washtenaw County Health Department medical director. “Flu shots and updated 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.”

Seasonal respiratory illnesses continue to be a serious public health threat, especially for older adults and young children:

• Our last flu season was severe: 426 residents were hospitalized, and there were 27 flu-associated deaths, including one child.
• From February 2024 to February 2025, 582 residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 and 54 residents died from confirmed or probable COVID-19.
• 173 residents were hospitalized for RSV during the 2024-25 RSV season. Most of these hospitalizations were in children under 5 years old (38%) and adults 65 years old and older (37%). 8 adults died from RSV.

“Vaccines can make you less likely to get really sick from a respiratory virus,” continues Marquez. “Vaccines are especially important for protecting our more vulnerable community members, including babies and young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.”

Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months old and older every year. The best time to get vaccinated is by the end of October. Local flu activity typically increases during or after the December holidays, so it is especially important to be vaccinated before then.

An updated 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months old and older. Nobody in Michigan should need a prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are 65 or older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19, or have never gotten a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine protection decreases over time and the virus changes, so it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest vaccine.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms for most individuals. However, infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV.

RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75+ years old and adults 50 to 74 years old with certain health conditions. The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine, so you do not need to get a dose every year. Talk with your health care provider to see if they recommend this vaccine for you.

There are two ways to protect babies from getting very sick with RSV. One is an RSV vaccine given during pregnancy (32–36 weeks). The other is a preventive treatment against RSV that provides antibodies to your baby after birth. Talk with your health care provider about RSV protection for your baby.

There are many things you can do to prevent respiratory illnesses like COVID, flu, and RSV. In addition to getting vaccinated:

• Stay away from others if you are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
• Wash your hands often using soap and warm water.
• Disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
• Wear a surgical, KN95, or N95 mask around others to help prevent the spread of illness.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at local health care providers, pharmacies, and community events. Most people with insurance can get flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines at their doctors’ offices or pharmacies without any additional cost. Check with your insurance provider if you have questions. RSV vaccines are available at local health care providers and pharmacies. The Health Department does not have RSV vaccines but we can provide RSV antibody immunizations to infants who qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has COVID-19 and flu vaccines for those 6 months old and older. If you have private health insurance, please go to your doctor or pharmacy to get your vaccines. To schedule a flu or COVID vaccine with us, call 734-544-6700. You can also walk-in without an appointment on Mondays (8:30am to 5pm) and Wednesdays (9:30am to 5:30pm) for a flu vaccine. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Care Network, Washtenaw Health Plan, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. We cannot bill other private insurance. People who don’t have health insurance can get no-cost flu vaccines from the Health Department, while supplies last. Please tell us if you don’t have insurance when you call to schedule a vaccine. We won’t deny services to people who are unable to pay.

Free transportation is available for Washtenaw County adults aged 60 and older, thanks to a new program funded by the Older Adults Millage. See details at washtenaw.org/4629/Older-Adults-Millage.

Resources and local respiratory illness data

• Health Department – Respiratory Illness Protection chart: PDF, PNG
• Handwashing flyers, signage, and mirror clings
• Health Department – COVID-19 Vaccine webpage
• Health Department – COVID-19 Data webpage
• Health Department – Flu Vaccine webpage
• Health Department – Flu Activity webpage
• Health Department – RSV webpage
• Health Department – RSV, COVID-19, and Influenza Hospitalizations webpage

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.