Hi there,
Here at Oakland County we are very encouraged that COVID-19 vaccine supplies are expanding. We are finishing out the first week where all Michigan residents age 16 and over are now eligible for vaccine. COVID-19 cases are increasing in our state, but we remain vigilant in vaccinating this broadened population quickly, which we hope will lessen the surge.
We want to stress that everyone still needs to take precautions, especially if you are not yet fully vaccinated. Until we know more about how vaccines affect the spread of COVID-19, wear a mask in public places, stay 6 feet apart from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, follow travel recommendations and watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
Oakland County has created a vast vaccine distribution network that includes drive-through locations, large vaccination sites, community clinics in recreation centers and churches. The Health Division has a homebound vaccination and long-term care center program and distributes vaccines to dozens of providers. Vaccination is also available at hospitals, pharmacies, and certain health centers.
While there is still an appointment waitlist at these locations, as a state we are moving through vaccination faster than anticipated - and that is good news! The state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard reports 692,616 doses have been given to Oakland County residents by all providers including 215,245 doses administered by Oakland County.
This week, our weekly Vaccine Update video features a walk-thru of what to expect at one of our drive-thru vaccination locations, we hope this is helpful to prepare for your appointment:
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford
Director, Health and Human Services
Age 16+ now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
On Monday, April 5, all Michigan residents age 16 and over became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Oakland County will continue to require appointments and prioritize from the Save Your Spot list based on highest risk including older adults, disability, medical conditions, essential or frontline workers, and communities with residents who may have more difficulty accessing the vaccine.
Even if you are now eligible, there is still a waitlist for available appointments.
Individuals 16 and 17 years of age must receive the Pfizer vaccine only. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are available for those 18 years and older.
Oakland County requires a parent or legal guardian to accompany minors ages 16 and 17 to their appointment in order to provide consent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Check with other vaccine providers to find out requirements for providing consent for a minor before attending an appointment.
Vaccinated Person Domestic Travel Guidelines Updated
CDC release updated domestic travel guidelines for vaccinated people last week. Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated, because travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States.
- During Travel
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
- Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone not traveling with you.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
- After Travel
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
- Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.
You do not need to get tested or self-quarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from a COVID-19 infection in the past 3 months.
Vaccine appointment registration sites available
A variety of appointment registration portals are available on our website - continue to check for updates. Individuals can sign-up with multiple providers to increase appointment opportunities.
If you are on Oakland County’s Save Your Spot list, you will be contacted to book an appointment when available.
Additional large-scale COVID-19 vaccine site opens at sports complex in Pontiac
On Friday, April 2, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter joined Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Pontiac Mayor Dr. Deirdre Waterman, and other community leaders to kick off the opening of another large-scale COVID-19 vaccine site in Oakland County. Oakland County Health Division is now administering doses by appointment only at the United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) Sports Complex in Pontiac.
The Health Division expects to vaccinate between 1,000 and 3,000 residents each day that it utilizes the site, with a capacity for up to 5,000 appointments per day if adequate vaccine supply becomes available. For the first and second week at UWM Sports Complex, doses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ford Field supply will be administered to residents who live in communities with a high Social Vulnerability Index. In the weeks following, doses will come from the county’s state of Michigan allocation.
Oakland County will extend appointment invitations at UWM Sports Complex similar to its other vaccine sites using the county’s Save Your Spot list at OaklandCountyVaccine.com.
OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information.
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