Flu/Immunization Resources

Get the Facts

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.

You can get the flu from a flu shot.

FALSE: Influenza vaccines are made from inactivated or weakened viruses and cannot cause the flu illness.

You can die from a bad case of the flu.

TRUE: Influenza is the most frequent cause of death from a vaccine-preventable disease in the United States.

You only need to get the flu shot every other year.

FALSE: Getting the vaccine each year provides protection against the most current strains of the flu.

You can spread the flu even if you’re feeling well.

TRUE: Twenty to thirty percent of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms.

You cannot catch the flu from going out in cold weather without a coat, with wet hair or by sitting near a drafty window.

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

Get Your Flu Shot and other Immunizations!

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.

Contact

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-Burton Branch
G-3373 S. Saginaw Street
Burton, MI 48529
Phone: 810.257.3612

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