Although an average of 30,000 people die from the flu every year, fewer than half of Americans get annual vaccinations.

The best way for residents to reduce their chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others is to get an annual flu vaccine, either the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine.

A misconception about the flu shot is that it can give you the flu. It cannot cause flu illness, because the vaccines are either made with no flu viruses at all or with viruses that have been “inactivated” and therefore are not infectious.

The shots work by causing antibodies to develop in the body after about two weeks. These antibodies provide protection against infection.

I recently received a flu shot from Michigan State University medical student Erica Errigo during MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s annual Legislative Flu Shot Day at the Capitol.

I want to thank Erica and the other MSU students for their time administering flu shots to legislators and staff.

I strongly encourage all Southwest Michigan residents over six months old to get a flu shot. It can help protect you from getting the flu and also can protect the vulnerable people around you — such as young children and seniors — who are most at risk of a serious flu illness.

Lakeland Health offers flu shots at two locations. On the first Wednesday of the month (Nov. 4 and Dec. 2) from 7:30-11:30 a.m. flu shots are available at the Center for Outpatient Services, 3900 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph. On the first Friday of the month (Nov. 6 and Dec. 4), residents can get a flu shot from 7-10 a.m. at Lakeland Rehabilitation Services at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 North Front St. in Niles.

The Van Buren-Cass District Health Department has been offering flu shots at various locations this fall. Residents can get a vaccine on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Marcellus Methodist Church at 197 W. Main St. in Marcellus. No appointments are necessary.

For more information about the flu, visit www.flu.gov. Residents can also find a place offering flu vaccines by entering their zip code into the “Flu Vaccine Finder” on the website.

 

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents Southwest Michigan.