As flu season approaches, Eastern Michigan University and local health groups offer vaccination clinics. Health officials report that getting an influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent spreading illness and getting sick yourself.
Flu prevention
The Washtenaw County Health Department lists the flu, or influenza, as a highly contagious respiratory virus that can be especially dangerous to pregnant people, the immunocompromised or chronically ill, young children and seniors.
The WCHD reports that between August 30, 2026 and September 26, 2026, 157 individuals have tested positive for influenza and ten have been hospitalized.
Flu immunization consists of a yearly vaccine that is tailored to specific strains populating the current flu season. The WCHD lists vaccination as the best way to prevent serious illness from influenza.
The CDC reports that receiving a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor by 40-60%.
During the 2025-2026 flu season, 40% of Washtenaw County residents (149,687 individuals) were vaccinated for the flu, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Additional steps recommended by the health department are to wash hands and frequently used surfaces regularly, avoiding contact with others and wearing a mask in public spaces.
Susan Ringler Cerniglia, Program Administrator at WCHD, told The Echo that the two most common barriers to people getting vaccinated for the flu are cost and misinformation.
While most insurances cover the cost of vaccinations, those without insurance may struggle to afford the yearly cost. Most health departments and state governments have programs to help uninsured individuals get vaccinated.
Ringler-Cerniglia said that some people believe myths about vaccinations that simply aren’t true: “Lots of people think that the flu shot is unsafe or ineffective, but we have been using the flu shot for a long time, and it is effective, and it is safe.”
When to get your flu shot
The WCHD recommends all individuals over six months of age get flu immunizations each year.
Flu season typically begins in the fall, peaks in February and continues through May, according to the WCHD. The health department recommends getting the flu vaccine by late October, but later immunizations are still effective.
The mnemonic “flu by boo” can help remind individuals to get their vaccinations before Halloween.
Looking at this year’s trends, Ringler-Cerniglia noted that she has seen indications that flu season may peak earlier this year, and she recommends residents get their vaccines as soon as they can. She recommended the website Your Local Epidemiologist to view seasonal trends.
“We always say, the only predictable thing about the flu season is that it’s unpredictable,” she said.
Where to get a flu shot
There are many places to go for flu immunization. Individuals with health insurance can get their influenza vaccine for little to no cost. Those without insurance can visit free flu clinics or talk with their health department about free or low-cost vaccine programs.
EMU flu clinic
Students at Eastern Michigan University can visit a flu clinic held by the Dean of Students, Trinity Health and Student Government on:
- Oct. 5, 2026 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom
- Nov. 3, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. it the Student Center Ballroom
Students who have insurance are encouraged to bring their insurance information, and those who are uninsured will have any costs covered by Student Government.
Dean of Students Aura Cazares told The Echo, “I strongly encourage students to participate in their wellbeing whether it's mental health or physical health. Getting a flu vaccine will potentially help you by not getting ill during the worst part of the semester. We don’t want you to go home and get people sick, and we want you to be protected if you do go home and other people are sick.”
U-M Community Flu Vaccine Clinics
The University of Michigan hosts annual traveling flu clinics in Washtenaw County and will be at the Ypsilanti Community Center on Oct. 3, 2026 from 12-4 p.m. and Oct. 8, 2026 from 1-5 p.m.
The University of Michigan School of Pharmacy is hosting a vaccination clinic Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ypsilanti District Library Whittaker Branch. Participants are asked to bring their insurance information with them, and those without insurance will have the cost covered.
Health departments
Like most health departments, WCHD offers vaccines to all Washtenaw County residents at 555 Towner St., Ypsilanti. The department offers walk-in vaccinations Mondays and Wednesdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or appointment scheduling by phone at 734-544-6700.
The health department will also be hosting an evening flu clinic for kids and their families Oct. 13, 2026. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments will have priority.
WCHD will ask for insurance or payment, but will not turn anyone down for vaccines because of financial situation, Ringler-Cerniglia said.
Doctor or pharmacy
Most doctors offices and pharmacies offer flu shots to anyone who needs one, not only previous patients. The health department recommends using the VaccineFinder website to find a nearby vaccination center.
