LANSING, Mich. (WSYM) - Tuesday Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference encouraging all Michiganders to get a flu vaccine before the onset of the 2020-2021 flu season. To demonstrate how simple it is, the governor got her flu vaccine on stage.
“It’s more important than ever for Michiganders everywhere to get your flu vaccine. Preventing the flu will help us save lives and preserve the health care resources we need to continue fighting COVID-19,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Every flu-related hospitalization we see this season will put an additional strain on Michigan’s economy and our health care systems and hospitals. Our hospitals are still reeling from the spring COVID-19 hospitalizations and are working to prepare for a potential second wave of the virus. I encourage everyone to get their flu vaccine, and tell your friends and family to do the same.”
The governor was joined by a group of health officials, including as always by Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun.
Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Hospital Association touched on the need for taking advantage of existing vaccinations.
“Everyone’s talking about when we’ll get a vaccine for COVID-19. When you talk about the flu, the reality is that tool is already in our toolbox today,” he said, adding that vaccinations reduce the number of children and adults hospitalized with flu-related illness.
Peters said, “The bottom line is the science is clearly with us.”
The group encouraged Michiganders to be proactive in the fight against disease, particularly during the pandemic.
