UP vaccine numbers consistent this year so far

UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WLUC) - We are now in the peak of flu season and health experts say it’s time to make sure your vaccines are up to date.

According to the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, vaccine numbers in the U.P. so far are consistent compared to last year. The health department said October is usually the month in which most people schedule their shots.

WUPHD Medical Director Robert Van Howe says older individuals are still the leading demographic.

“The population who does the best with vaccination are those who are over 65. They’re old enough to remember what vaccine-preventable illnesses look like. And they also feel they need the protection, and they do need the protection,” Van Howe said.

But at the state level, vaccination numbers have slightly decreased. The Chief Medical Executive for the state, Natasha Bagdasarian, says this has been a trend since 2020, especially within children.

“There were different messages coming from the FDA, from the CDC. We now are in a place where we have really clear guidance and recommendations from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. So our guidance is in alignment with all of the major national organizations,” Bagdasarian said.

Bagdasarian mentions that mixed messaging about vaccine guidance also led to some delays for some individuals.

“There were different messages coming from the FDA, from the CDC. We now are in a place where we have really clear guidance and recommendations from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. So our guidance is in alignment with all of the major national organizations.”

Both Van Howe and Bagdasarian say getting the vaccine each year protects yourself and the ones around you.

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UP vaccine numbers consistent this year so far

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