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As flu season returns to Michigan, residents are being urged to get their annual flu vaccinations to protect themselves, their families and their communities. Declining vaccination rates across the state have become a growing public health concern, leaving more people vulnerable to serious illness, hospitalization and even death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 42% of Michigan residents ages 6 months and older received a flu vaccine during the 2024-25 flu season. This means that fewer than half of eligible residents were vaccinated, increasing the risk of influenza spreading throughout communities.
Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive at the Department of Health and Human Services, warned that skipping vaccination can have serious consequences. She emphasized that vaccines are among the greatest public health achievements of the past century and have saved millions of lives worldwide.
The concern is especially serious for children, young adults, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions, who face a greater risk of severe complications from influenza. During the 2025-26 flu season, Michigan recorded 12 flu-related pediatric deaths and 203 pediatric hospitalizations. These numbers highlight the importance of protecting vulnerable members of our communities.
Flu vaccination rates are also declining nationally. CDC data shows that vaccination rates among children and young adults fell from 55.5% during the 2023-24 season to 50.2% in 2024-25. Adult vaccination rates dropped from 44.9% to 41.9% during the same period.
Several factors may contribute to this decline, including missed medical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic and growing public confusion about vaccines. Health officials warn that treating vaccines as a political issue instead of a medical and scientific matter can discourage people from making informed decisions about their health.
Getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself. It also helps reduce the spread of influenza and can ease the burden on hospitals and emergency rooms, which may already be treating patients with COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Schools, universities, nursing homes and other crowded settings are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks when vaccination coverage is low.
Michigan residents can help change this trend. Schedule your annual flu vaccination, speak with a health care professional about any questions or concerns and encourage friends and family members to do the same. Parents should also discuss flu vaccination with their children’s health care providers.
For those who feel uncertain or afraid, reliable information is available from doctors, medical professionals and public health agencies. Asking questions and learning the facts can help people make confident, informed decisions.
As flu season approaches, the message is clear: prevention matters. One vaccination can help protect an individual and contribute to a healthier community. By working together to increase vaccination rates, Michigan residents can help prevent serious illness, protect vulnerable neighbors and reduce unnecessary strain on the health care system.
Don’t wait until the flu spreads through your household or community. Talk to your health care provider and get your flu vaccine this season. Protect yourself. Protect your family.