Sat Dec 13 11:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Michigan health officials are urging residents to get their flu shots due to rising influenza activity, including a new, potentially more severe H3N2 variant (subclade K). Flu vaccination rates in Michigan are currently low. While the vaccine was designed for a slightly different strain (subclade J.2), data from the UK indicates it still provides significant protection against severe illness and hospitalization, even against the newer variant. The UK is experiencing an earlier and more intense flu season, dominated by the new H3N2 strain, potentially foreshadowing a similar situation in the US. Last year, Michigan saw a high number of hospitalizations and a record number of pediatric flu deaths, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.

News Article:

Michigan Health Officials Urge Flu Shots as New Variant Spreads

LANSING, MI – With the holiday season underway, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is strongly encouraging residents to get their flu shots to protect against rising influenza activity, including a newly identified variant.

State health officials say influenza activity is increasing across the country, including Michigan. They are particularly concerned about the emergence of a new H3N2 influenza strain, subclade K, which is spreading rapidly. The H3N2 strain is known to cause more severe illness compared to the H1N1 subtype.

“Getting a flu vaccine now is a great way to boost your immunity against influenza through the winter months, when we tend see even more cases,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive.

While the current flu vaccine was designed to target the H3N2 subclade J.2, evidence from the United Kingdom, where subclade K is prevalent, shows that the vaccine still offers significant protection. UK data suggests the vaccine can prevent 70-75% of flu-related hospital visits for children and 30-40% for adults.

Despite the availability of effective vaccines, influenza vaccination coverage in Michigan remains low. As of December 2nd, only about 21% of Michigan residents (around 2 million people) have received a flu shot for the 2025-26 season.

The UK is experiencing an earlier and more intense flu season this year, with a surge in cases in November. The majority of these cases are attributed to the new H3N2 variant, subclade K. Health officials are watching the UK situation closely as it may foreshadow flu activity in the United States.

During the 2024-25 flu season in Michigan, there were over 33,000 hospitalizations, and a record 14 pediatric influenza deaths were reported – the highest since the state began tracking pediatric flu mortality.

MDHHS recommends that all eligible individuals ages 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot. They emphasize that while the vaccine may not prevent all cases of mild illness, it significantly reduces the risk of severe complications, including hospitalization and death.

The MDHHS stresses that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu this winter. For more information on the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit your local health department or consult with your healthcare provider.

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