Flu vaccination rates decline in Michigan and Virginia

Flu vaccination rates are showing significant declines in several U.S. regions, raising public health concerns as respiratory illness seasons approach. In Michigan, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that approximately 42% of residents aged 6 months and older received a flu vaccine during the 2024-25 season. Medical experts note that these figures reflect a broader national trend where vaccination rates for both children and adults have fallen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Virginia, vaccination coverage for the 2026–27 season was reported at 9.9% as of mid-October. The decline is particularly pronounced in rural areas; for instance, Buchanan County recorded a rate of just 2.8%. Health officials emphasize that the two-week window required for the vaccine to build protection makes timely vaccination critical for households preparing for school outbreaks and holiday gatherings.