Flu Shots

Protect yourself and the people around you by getting your flu shot.

Every year, the flu gets in the way of social gatherings, holiday celebrations, and daily activities like work and school. Even worse, serious complications from the flu put hundreds of thousands of people in the hospital each year. 

Getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and your family’s health. 

Flu shots not only prevent many cases of influenza, but also decrease the severity of illness for someone who is vaccinated but still develops the flu.  

Learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for the flu. 

Who should get a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Flu vaccination is especially important for adults 65 years and older, who account for most hospitalizations and deaths from flu. High dose flu shots are recommended for adults aged 65 and over. 

Where can I get a flu shot?

Make an appointment to get a flu vaccine at one of our health centers. We offer flu shot appointments at several of our health centers in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Canton, Chelsea, Dexter, Livonia, Northville, Saline and Ypsilanti. U-M Health patients may self-schedule a flu shot online through the MyUofMhealth patient portal. If you do not have a portal account, you can schedule an appointment by calling 734-763-6336. 

Get a flu shot at your next scheduled appointment. If you already have an appointment at a U-M Health primary care clinic, ask to receive a flu shot while you’re there. Many specialists also offer flu shots through their clinics. Contact your specialty clinic about whether you can get your flu vaccine at your next scheduled appointment. 

Look for a community flu shot clinic. University of Michigan Health administers several vaccine clinics in communities around southeast Michigan.  View a list of our upcoming flu vaccine clinics.   

Make an appointment at a local Regional Alliance for Health Schools location in Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor. RAHS is able to provide vaccination for any school-age youth 21 years old and younger. You do not need to be a registered student at a RAHS school to receive services. RAHS is able to vaccinate both insured and uninsured patients, regardless of ability to pay. 

 
Visit your local health department or a retail pharmacy in your community. If you are seeking vaccination for a child, be sure to call ahead to confirm that they are able to vaccinate children. 
 
Need to book a ride? Individuals within Washtenaw County can get free, reliable and accessible transportation to any vaccination or booster appointment in Washtenaw County, thanks to a grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Learn more. 

When should I get a flu shot?

It is best to get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community, so you have begun developing influenza antibodies to protect you against contracting the flu. 

The CDC recommends that you get a flu shot by the end of October, but it’s not too late to benefit from some level of protection even as late as January. 

NOTE: COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines may be administered at the same visit. You may receive both vaccines safely, with no wait time in between. However, at Michigan Medicine, the two vaccines must each be scheduled. 

Keeping Our Patients Safe from the Flu

Michigan Medicine has joined dozens of health care institutions throughout the country in requiring staff to be vaccinated against flu or to wear a protective mask during any patient interaction during flu season. The requirement is designed to help protect the health of our patients and their families and will especially protect the many people we care for who have serious medical conditions and weakened immune systems. 

FOR EMPLOYEES: Please visit our employee flu prevention site for more details for more information about our employee flu shot policy and upcoming employee flu shot clinics.