LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives Thursday (December 3rd) passed a plan to help protect Michigan’s seniors and most vulnerable residents from the potentially life-threatening influenza virus by requiring hospitals to inform them that they can get a flu shot while they are in the hospital. The plan, which also requires hospitals to create a flu vaccination policy, now heads to the Senate.

“This plan is about making sure our residents stay healthy and safe,” said State Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo), who introduced the legislation and serves on the House Senior Health, Security and Retirement Committee. “Seniors are more likely to develop serious health conditions when they come down with the flu, which is why it’s so important that they receive a flu vaccination. A simple shot can go a long way in protecting our seniors and other vulnerable residents from this potentially fatal virus.”

Under the plan, hospitals will be required to inform patients age 65 or older and patients at risk for flu complications who have been admitted to the hospital that they can receive a flu shot before they are discharged. The hospital would administer the vaccine only upon request of the patient, when it is medically advisable and only if the hospital has an adequate supply of the vaccine. The legislation also requires hospitals to develop a strategic plan for the management of vaccine supplies.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 5 percent and 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications and about 36,000 people die each year. Residents most at risk for the flu complications include seniors, children, and people with certain health conditions, such as a weakened immune system.

“Prevention is key when it comes to illnesses like the flu,” said State Representative Dian Slavens (D-Canton), Vice Chair of the Senior Health, Security and Retirement Committee and a respiratory therapist in Southeast Michigan hospitals for more than 20 years. “However, many seniors have limited mobility, which can make it difficult for them for them to get out and receive preventative care such as a flu shot. This common-sense plan will save lives by making sure more people receive this potentially life-saving vaccination.”

Source:  News release from Michigan House Democrats