Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) is offering flu vaccine with no out-of-pocket cost in Whitmore Lake on Oct 31 and in Ypsilanti on Nov 2. The Health Department is working with community partners to provide accessible flu vaccination at locations across the county. Flu vaccine supplies have been received and previously postponed vaccination opportunities rescheduled. Everyone 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine, especially this year.
Widespread flu vaccination will reduce the spread of flu during the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent serious illness and related hospitalizations or deaths. Flu vaccination can also reduce the chance of people becoming infected with both flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
“It is especially important for everyone eligible to get their flu vaccine this year,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director at the Health Department. “The flu vaccine is safe, effective at preventing serious illness and death, and more easily accessible to everyone this year.”
Upcoming Health Department Flu Vaccine Events
- Sat, Oct 31 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the former Whitmore Lake Middle School (8877 Main Street in Whitmore Lake). For everyone 6 months old and older. This event will do drive-thru vaccinations.
- Mon, Nov 2 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the WCHD Parking Lot (555 Towner Street in Ypsilanti). For everyone 6 months old and older. This event will do drive-thru vaccinations.
See the complete list of Health Department flu vaccine events at washtenaw.org/flushots.
Several earlier community events had to be rescheduled, and the Health Department apologizes for any inconvenience. We also ask that those with insurance consider going to a pharmacy or health care provider for flu vaccines. This allows us to use our supplies for community members without insurance.
No pre-registration is needed for attending these events. When arriving for vaccinations, bring any form of identification that shows name and birth date. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card. We will bill insurance where possible. Vaccinations will be provided for no out-of-pocket cost, even for people who do not have insurance. We will also check for VFC (Vaccines for Children) eligibility. All vaccine is quadrivalent and protects against four strains of flu. Injectable shots and nasal mist are expected to be available. We will not have high-dose vaccines.
Flu vaccine will not be available at WCHD by appointment this year unless an individual is also scheduling an appointment for other vaccinations.
Why Get Vaccinated?
Flu vaccination is even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination can protect against severe cases of illness, hospitalization, and death due to flu, as well as reduce the spread of illness. Getting vaccinated also protects the people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. Good handwashing, covering your cough, and staying away from others when sick also prevents the spread of flu and other contagious diseases.
In addition to vaccination, it is important to stay home if you are sick, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, wash your hands often using soap and warm water, and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
See washtenaw.org/flu for ongoing information and surveillance on this year’s flu season.
Where Else to Get Vaccinated
Flu vaccine is widely available at area medical offices, pharmacies, and community events. Most people with insurance can get flu shots at their doctors’ offices or pharmacies for free. See vaccinefinder.org for local options and call before visiting.
About Flu
Flu is a contagious illness that can be spread person to person through droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. Symptoms of the flu include coughing, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, sore throat, headache, fatigue, fever, and/or chills. The flu can affect anyone, but older adults, children and individuals with chronic health conditions are at greater risk for severe complications from flu.
For handwashing flyers, signage, and mirror clings, contact us or download free, printable versions.
Return to the Health Department homepage