LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today approved a plan introduced by State Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) that would ensure more seniors get a flu shot, helping to protect some of Michigan's most vulnerable residents from the often life-threatening virus.
"Getting a flu shot can be the difference between life and death for older folks," said Jones, who serves as chair of the Senior Health, Security and Retirement Committee. "Seniors are more likely to develop serious complications when they come down with the flu, which is why it is so important for them to get the flu vaccine every year. My plan will help ensure that more seniors are aware that they can get a flu shot and will help make sure that they get one, which is the most important part of the plan."
Jones' plan would require hospitals to inform patients age 65 or older who have been admitted for any reason that the flu shot is available upon discharge. The hospital would only administer the vaccine upon the request of the patient, when it is medically advisable and if the hospital has an adequate supply of the vaccine. The plan also requires hospitals to develop a plan for the management of vaccine supplies.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu each year in the United States, and that about 36,000 people die. Those most at risk include seniors, young children and people with compromised immune systems. Residents in these high-risk groups and people who are charged with their care are encouraged to get a flu shot every year.
"My plan requires a more proactive approach to distributing the flu shot and will help protect our seniors from becoming seriously ill," Jones said. "Even though many health care plans and Medicare pay for the flu shot, many seniors have limited mobility, which can make it hard for them to get their shot. Requiring hospitals to offer the flu shot to all seniors will increase how many elderly residents are protected against this potentially fatal virus."