Kent County Health Department - October 2024 Newsletter

Dear Community Members,

The re-emergence of signs saying “Flu Shots Available Here” is one of many clues that Fall is here! Ample access to influenza vaccination is a blessing for which we should be grateful. There’s a good chance that the grocer where you get apple cider or Oktoberfest also has a pharmacy offering seasonal influenza vaccines. Kent County has more vaccine providers than most counties and 34.7% of our adults received an influenza vaccination during the 2023/24 season. This ranks us 10^th among the counties and better than the state of Michigan as a whole (28.2%). That’s a start, but we can prevent a lot of suffering by doing more. It’s important to remember that influenza can be severe and has claimed the lives of far too many Kent County residents over the years.

Vaccines protect the health of the community in two ways. The first is through direct benefit to the recipient who will usually develop an immune response and be equipped to prevent or limit infection. The second is through the benefit of living in a community with a high level of immunity. Viruses need a supply of new susceptible hosts in order to perpetuate their existence. A community with higher immunization rates has fewer stepping stones for the flu bug. Getting a flu shot reduces your probability of becoming severely ill and it also helps protect your family and friends. Please also keep in mind that there is a rogues gallery of infectious illnesses circulating at all times, but especially during the colder months. An influenza vaccinated person who subsequently “gets sick” may be ill with something unrelated to influenza.

The influenza vaccine is the same, whether you get it at your doctor’s office, a pharmacy, or the health department. This month’s newsletter covers several important topics including the recommended seasonal vaccines and how to set up an appointment at one of our clinics. Please join me and let’s do our part this month to make it hard for influenza to hurt people.

Thanks for all you do to make Kent County a healthy place for all!

Adam London, PhD, RS, DAAS
Administrative Health Officer

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among Michigan women. Early detection through screening is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent breast cancer deaths. Cancer screening can pick up early signs of disease at stages when treatment is much more effective. This increases the chances of survival and can lower the cost of care.

Those who are aged 40 and older should receive a mammogram every other year. Those aged 21 and older should receive regular Pap/Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests as their provider recommends or every 3 to 5 years.

If you have low income, are uninsured, or have unaffordable deductibles, the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP) can help. The BC3NP, a statewide program, provides free mammograms and pap/HPV tests, including follow-up care if a screening abnormality is identified. Although the BC3NP does not pay for cancer treatment, people diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer may be eligible for a special Medicaid program that covers the cost of cancer treatment.

If you’re putting off important screenings or worrying about the cost of care, see if you’re eligible for the BC3NP. Learn more by visiting the Michigan BC3NP website, calling 616-632-7283, or emailing bc3np@kentcountymi.gov.

As we head into the Fall season, it's important to stay informed and protected. We are again facing a trio of respiratory viruses that can seriously impact our health: influenza, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Keeping up to date on your vaccinations is one of the best tools we have to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and complications. Here is what you need to know about each of these vaccines.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can lead to serious complications or death. Flu vaccines are updated annually to protect against the strains predicted to circulate.

COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 is very contagious and often causes respiratory symptoms similar to those of a cold, flu, or pneumonia. However, it can also affect other parts of the body, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. Updated vaccines now target newer variants, providing enhanced protection.

RSV Vaccine
RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and fever. These symptoms often appear gradually rather than all at once. In very young infants, RSV may present with different signs, including irritability, reduced activity, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are similar, making it difficult to determine which virus is causing the illness. To identify the specific virus, it's important to contact your healthcare provider.

To make a vaccination appointment at one of our clinics, call 616-632-7200 or visit our Health Clinic locations page.

Autumn brings a snap in the air, trees put on their beautiful displays of color, and every baker reaches for that staple of the season, cinnamon. You may have recently seen in the news that lead could be hiding in your favorite fall spice.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued health alerts for several ground cinnamon products which had elevated levels of lead. You can’t taste or smell lead in spices, and it can be introduced into food at any point in the supply chain. In countries with unregulated spice production, merchants may add lead to increase weight or enhance color.

Exposure to lead, even in small amounts, can lead to serious health and developmental problems. Therefore, the FDA is advising consumers to discard and avoid purchasing certain ground cinnamon products. Make sure to educate yourself on these products before reaching for your next pumpkin spice latte.

For further updates, refer to the FDA website.

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month. The month is a nationally recognized time to raise awareness around infant deaths that occur due to being placed in an unsafe sleep environment.

Our team works to reduce these deaths within our community by providing training on safe sleep recommendations, offering a safe space to discuss your infant’s sleep environment and how to reduce the risk to your child, and providing resources to families, caregivers, and community agencies.

Always remember the ABCs of safe sleep:

• ALONE- without pillows, blankets, toys, people, or pets
• BACK- placed to sleep on their back for every sleep
• CRIB- in a crib, bassinet, or pack and play

For more information, visit regarding infant safe sleep and our Infant Safe Sleep Program, visit our website at our Safe Sleep website.

Celebrating Success at the First Health Equity Council Conference

On September 19, the Health Equity Council (HEC), with support from the Health Department and the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, hosted its inaugural Health Equity Conference in partnership with Grand Valley State University’s Master of Public Health Program.

The conference brought together community leaders, public health professionals, and residents dedicated to advancing health equity. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, shared insights, and collaborated on solutions to create a thriving community for all. The success of the event reflects the hard work and dedication of the HEC, whose focus on community engagement and collaboration made it a meaningful experience.

Stay Safe & Healthy This Halloween: Tips for a Spooktacular Night

Halloween is a fun time for families, but it's important to keep health and safety in mind. We have a few tips to help you enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween:

1. Candy Check

• Before your kids dig into their treats, inspect all candy for tampered packaging.
• Remove any choking hazards for younger children.

2. Healthy Balance

• Snack First: Serve a healthy meal before trick-or-treating to avoid candy overload.
• Portion Treats: Let your kids pick their favorites and save the rest for later.
• Stay Active: Walking from house to house is a great way to get exercise as a family.

3. Trick-or-Treating Safety

• Bright Costumes: Choose bright or reflective costumes to help kids stay visible.
• Use Flashlights: Carry flashlights or glow sticks for added safety.
• Stay Together: Keep younger kids close and set a curfew for older ones.

4. Costume Tips

• Fire Safety: Make sure costumes are flame-resistant and avoid open flames.
• Skip the Mask: Use face paint instead of masks to avoid obstructing vision.

5. Home Safety

• Clear Pathways: Make sure your porch and walkway are free from hazards.
• Pet Safety: Keep pets in a secure area to avoid any sudden scares.

6. Allergy Awareness

• Join the Teal Pumpkin Project by offering non-food treats for children with allergies.

7. Flu Prevention

• Since Halloween is during flu season, consider getting flu shots for the family.
• Carry hand sanitizer and encourage handwashing after trick-or-treating.