From our friends at the Genesee County Health Department:

Pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and seasonal viruses. This time of year the flu, COVID-19, and RSV become much more active, sending thousands of people to the doctor and hospital every year. Vaccines are an important tool we have to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy and recover more quickly.

Vaccines are one of the best-tested and most effective ways to prevent serious illness. Even when they don’t completely stop you from catching a virus, they help your body prepare, so you don’t get as sick. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccinated people had 50% fewer hospitalizations than those who weren’t protected. That kind of protection makes all the difference, especially for children, older adults, and people with long-term health conditions.

Vaccines are for everyone! Some people think vaccines are just for kids, but immunizations matter at every age.

• Children need vaccines so their immune systems learn how to fight serious diseases as they grow.
• Adults need boosters and seasonal vaccines to stay protected and keep immunity strong.
• Older adults especially benefit, since flu, RSV, and COVID-19 tend to hit them hardest during fall and winter.

When families stay up to date on vaccines, they not only protect themselves but also reduce the spread of illness to neighbors, coworkers, and grandparents. It’s a team effort that helps shield the whole community.

There are a lot of statistics we can use to describe the importance of vaccines, but here’s what vaccination looks like in real life:

• If 100 people get sick with COVID-19, about 15 might end up hospitalized. But if those 100 people are vaccinated, that number drops to about 7.
• Each flu vaccination prevents 2 doctor visits on average, which means fewer missed school days, workdays, and family activities.
• For RSV, protecting older adults with vaccines can cut the risk of hospitalization nearly in half!

For personalized vaccine guidance or to schedule your shots, contact your healthcare provider or the Genesee County Health Department. Schedule your seasonal visit to the health department today!

Important: For fall 2025, local health officials strongly recommend that older adults and parents of high-risk children take advantage of updated vaccines to protect against flu, COVID-19, and RSV, alongside routine immunizations. Vaccination remains the best tool to avoid severe illness, complications, and hospitalizations during the upcoming respiratory virus season.