The flu is a good example of how medical myths can get in the way of good medical care. During flu season, it’s important to take the necessary steps to stay healthy. That includes separating the flu facts from myths.
FALSE: Influenza vaccines are made from inactivated or weakened viruses and cannot cause the flu illness.
TRUE: Influenza is the most frequent cause of death from a vaccine-preventable disease in the United States.
FALSE: Getting the vaccine each year provides protection against the most current strains of the flu.
TRUE: Twenty to thirty percent of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms.
TRUE: The only way to catch the flu is by being exposed to the influenza virus.
Adapted from Harvard Health Publications: http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/10-flu-myths.htm
Community residents can obtain a flu vaccination from their physician, during an upcoming immunization event, or at a number of health centers and pharmacies throughout Genesee County. Vaccinations are covered by the Genesee Health Plan, Healthy Michigan and the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA).
GHP in partnership with the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) provides funding to the GCHD for a variety of immunizations for community members and children as they head back to school. Immunizations are covered under the Genesee Health Plan, Healthy Michigan Plan, Medicaid, Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare).
Michigan legislation does provide exemptions to mandatory vaccinations for medical, religious or other reasons. The GCHD can assist you with vaccination waivers for Genesee County residents and those who have children attending Genesee County Schools. For more information on how to obtain a waiver or to schedule an appointment for your child to receive back to school immunizations, call the GCHD at 810-237-4540 or click here to be directed to the immunizations page on their website. For more about immunization and waiver information, click here to be directed to the immunizations page on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Website.
Individuals can go to the Genesee Community Health Center located at 725 Mason Street, Flint, to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. You can schedule an appointment by calling 810-496-5777
For information about the COVID-19 Vaccine CLICK HERE.
The Genesee County Immunization Drive is a project of Genesee Health Plan, the Genesee County Health Department and Walgreens.
For additional information, please contact:
Genesee Health Plan,
2171 S. Linden Road, Flint, MI 48532
Phone: 810.232.7740
Genesee County Health Department
324 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
Phone: 810.257.3612
Hours: 8:00am-3:00pm
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