BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- With the holiday season approaching, the Berrien County Health Department is reminding people to stay safe and protect the weakest among us by getting their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. 

"The health department offers the regular flu shot for children, adults and seniors and the high-dose flu shot for seniors 65 and older," BCHD officials said. "The cost for these vaccines is covered by most insurance plans."

Flu and COVID-19 shots are available by appointment at BCHD’s Benton Harbor office, 2149 E. Napier Ave., and Niles office, 1205 Front St., during business hours. Community members can call 269.926.7121 to make an appointment for flu and COVID-19 shots.

“We encourage community members – from children to seniors – to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19,” said Karen Kortebein, public health nurse and school health coordinator at BCHD. “Getting these two immunizations is a great way to protect yourself and others from illness as we head into the winter months when we see an uptick in flu and COVID-19 cases and as many families and friends gather for the holidays.”

In addition to vaccines, BCHD recommends following everyday preventive measures to stop the spread of germs, including:

• Avoid close contact with other people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
• Follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidance regarding isolation and masking if you test positive for COVID-19.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious foods.

In terms of vaccines, BCHD recommends:

• Flu: Everyone 6 months and older should get this season’s flu vaccine, which will protect against severe disease and hospitalization even though you might still get influenza if exposed. It’s especially important to get this vaccine if you have an underlying medical condition such as obesity, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema or a suppressed immune system.
• COVID-19: Everyone 5 years and older should get the updated FDA-approved COVID-19 booster. For infants and children 6 months to 5 years, for whom it is still being given under Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, the vaccine decreases the risk of hospitalization and ICU stay, even for those who have no medical risk factors. It also reduces the risk of long COVID in children and adults. For older adults, the highest risk group, a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization and intensive care stay.
  Community members can also schedule their COVID-19 vaccine through their primary care provider.

For more information on seasonal respiratory viruses, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.