Immunization Season Has Arrived, with COVID Still a Concern

By Dennis Archambault

As I boarded a plane recently, it occurred to me that I might have worn a mask. I realized, as if it isn’t obvious to most of us, that the seasons are changing, and this is the season for vaccines. And the adult vaccine at the top of the list is COVID.

I know a few of my friends who have gotten the virus recently and even with protection it isn’t a pleasant experience. The State of Michigan has released an advisory that folks should consider another COVID vaccine in late September or early October. Also, of course, is a flu shot, and maybe RSV.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian says that COVID, like the flu and RSV, is seasonal. “The benefit of getting a COVID vaccine in the fall is because even if you have prior immunity, even if you’ve received a vaccine in the past, or had COVID-19 in the past, it is boosting your immunity. It is allowing for greater protection during the months where we expect to see the … highest rates of COVID-19.

“We have generally seen the highest rates of COVID-19 in December, January, February. And if that happens again, getting that booster in  September or October, ensures you have the best protection and the best levels of immunity over those winter months.”

Unlike during the pandemic, COVID shots are no longer free. However, Michigan has obtained 12,000 doses of the vaccine, which runs slightly over $200 without insurance, for those who are uninsured or underinsured, according to Ryan Malosh, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of Immunization.

He said they will be available through the Michigan Adult Vaccine Program at local health departments and some federally qualified health centers, tribal and migrant health centers that provide free or reduced-cost vaccines to adults.

Go to michigan.gov/mdhhs to see the Local Health Department Maps and their latest vaccine and testing information or contact your local health department for more information.

Dennis Archambault is vice president of Public Affairs for Authority Health.