COVID-19 Boosters and Flu Shots
With flu season just around the corner, plus the possibility of another rise in COVID-19 cases, we are receiving questions on when is the right time to get the flu vaccine and if the COVID-19 booster can be given at the same time. The answers are now and yes.
In fact, Kent County Health Department (KCHD) Immunization Supervisor Amy Shears says it is a wise choice for many people. "We recommend people get the shots in different arms, but, other than that, there is very little reason to not do it at the same time," says Shears.
New boosters have recently been approved that target both the original forms of COVID-19 and the omicron variants. These boosters are known as bivalent for their ability to protect from both variants.
The bivalent booster is now available to people 12 and older. You can receive the bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since the first two dose course was completed or at least two months since the most recent booster was administered. People are not eligible for the booster vaccine if they have not completed at least the first two dose course. Regardless of which COVID-19 vaccine you received in the past, you can receive the Moderna or Pfizer bivalent booster.
Since both the COVID-19 and flu vaccine can cause some side effects like soreness at the injection site, fatigue, and body aches, Shears says it may be wise to schedule your vaccine when you can plan a day or two of rest afterwards. "Overall, both vaccines are well tolerated, safe and effective. The bivalent COVID booster contains a new formula that not only protects against the original strains of COVID, but is targeted at the latest Omicron variant that continues to spread," adds Shears.
To make your appointment for your vaccines call (616) 632-7200 or visit https://vaccinatewestmi.com/.
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Monkeypox Vaccine Available
The KCHD has the Monkeypox vaccine to protect those most vulnerable to the current outbreak. We are vaccinating individuals with risk behaviors in areas, event, and venues with known Monkeypox transmission in the last 14 days. Individuals are eligible to receive the vaccine if:
- They have been exposed to the virus in the last 14 days. Exposure is defined as having close physical contact or prolonged face-to-face contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or has a suspected Monkeypox infection.
- They are a partner or a close household contact with someone who has been exposed to Monkeypox in the last 14 days.
- They identify as a man who has intimate or sexual contact with other men or if they have a history of a sexually transmitted illness in the last year.
- They are a partner or close household contact of someone who engages in higher-risk sexual activities.
- They are engaged in any type of sex work.
- They have had multiple or anonymous sexual partners within the last 14 days, or they plan to.
- They have had direct close contact at a high-risk event or venue within the last 14 days, or they plan to.
- They are using HIV PrEP or living with HIV.
“While the rate of infection seems to be falling across the United States and here in Michigan, this is not the time to start taking this virus for granted,” says Dr. Nirali Bora, KCHD Medical Director. “We want everyone to know that we have the vaccine available, and that the vaccine is a safe and effective way to curtail the spread of this virus.”
To make an appointment to receive the Monkeypox vaccine, call (616) 632-7200. People who have developed a rash and suspect they may have been exposed to the virus should contact a health care provider.
Diaper Drive
An adequate supply of diapers can cost a family almost $100 a month per child. As everyday cost for food, clothing and shelter continue to rise, the price of diapers is enough to put many families at economic risk. Many babies are forced to spend the entire day in one diaper, increasing their risk for developmental and health issues.
Now through October, we are partnering with the Kent County Great Start Collaborative to provide diapers to Kent County families who are struggling with diaper supply. You can drop off any new disposable diapers at any of our four clinic locations. Each location has a large collection box and signs signifying the drop-off location. Donations are accepted during normal business hours.
Bat Season 2022 Nets More Than Most years
We are in the middle of a busy bat season. The Kent County Animal Shelter and KCHD work with the State of Michigan to perform necropsies on bats that residents have found in their homes to identify rabies.
August through October are generally the busiest months for this program as bats move indoors to breed but this year has been particularly busy. In 2020, 61 bats were received and tested, in 2021 there were 41. To date, we have received 82 bats and fortunately only five of those have tested positive for rabies.
A bite or a scratch from a bat is enough to spread rabies and because their teeth are so small it is possible to be bitten and not realize it. If a captured bat tests negative for rabies, no treatment is required. If a bat tests positive or if the bat is not available for testing, then the exposed person should receive rabies shots.
If you find a bat in your home you should try to capture it, unless you are 100% certain that no one has been bitten or scratched by the bat. To safely capture a bat, experts recommend you wear leather gloves to avoid being bit. Also, pace a box or coffee can over the bat and slide a piece of cardboard under the container.
After the bat is captured, contact us at 616-632-7200. Click here for more information about bats and rabies.
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Join Our Team
Working for the KCHD offers you the opportunity to serve your community while furthering your professional career. We currently have the following openings:
- Public Health Nurses,
- Medical Social Worker - Children's Special Health Care Services, and
- Medical Assistant - WIC
Click here to find out more and apply for these jobs and other Kent County openings.
Health Care Provider Needed
Are you a health care provider who is interested in public health and serving your community? The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents to serve on its boards, commissions, and committees. Specifically, the Community Health Advisory Committee is seeking a health care provider to serve on this group. This committee, which meets five times a year, serves in an advisory capacity and provides input on specific public health issues. If you are a health care provider interested in this role, please apply by September 30. Click here for the online application.
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