Friday, May 21 Update

Hi there,

It has been just over a week since we began vaccinating youth 12-15 years old.  Since then, already 16.5% of Oakland County’s population in this age group have gotten at least one dose.  Widespread vaccination, including of children and teens, is critical to help stop this pandemic and get us all closer to normal.

The Health Division is partnering with a variety of school districts to offer vaccination clinics at school facilities.  While these locations are open to anyone eligible to be vaccinated, we are hopeful these sites make it extra convenient for students and their family members to come out and get vaccinated.

We are also working to coordinate vaccination blitzes in regions throughout the county. This is our attempt to hit the road, offering pop-up locations in areas we haven’t previously held many vaccination clinics, or data shows there are still many unvaccinated people.  You will see below under the “Week at a Glance” article, that we are targeting the western lakes area portion of Oakland County next week.

Check out our weekly COVID-19 Update video which provides more information about the changes to masking requirements for fully vaccinated individuals.  

Today the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard reports 1,199,992 doses have been given to Oakland County residents by all providers including 359,106 doses administered by Oakland County.  Visit the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for even more data related to vaccination.

In good health,

Leigh-Anne Stafford

Director, Health and Human Services

MDHHS mask guidance aimed at Choosing Safer Activities

On Saturday, May 15, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated the Gatherings and Mask Order to align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest guidance on face coverings. Fully vaccinated Michiganders are no longer required to wear a mask or face covering indoors or outdoors except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace requirements.

MDHHS also issued updated guidance about large outdoor events and interim guidance for athletics. The following provides more information regarding masking for different activities:

Prepare your child for COVID-19 vaccination

Help your child know what to expect when they receive their COVID-19 vaccination:

• Get tips for how to support your child before, during, and after the visit.
• Explain that there may be some side effects, which are normal signs that their body is building protection. These side effects may affect your child’s ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects.
• Ask your child’s healthcare provider about using a non-aspirin pain reliever to comfort your child after vaccination. It is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent side effects.
• Tell the doctor or nurse about any allergies your child may have.
• Comfort your child during the appointment.
• To prevent fainting and injuries related to fainting, your child should be seated during vaccination and for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given.
• After your child’s COVID-19 vaccination, you will be asked to stay for 15–30 minutes so they can be observed in case they have a severe allergic reaction and need immediate treatment.

Minors under age 18 will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany them to their appointment and provide consent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine can now be given with other vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccines may be administered the same day or within 14 days as other vaccines – there is no longer a waiting period. Your doctor may recommend getting multiple vaccines in one appointment. Be sure to have a discussion with your doctor to discuss what vaccines you may need.

COVID-19 vaccines were previously recommended to be administered alone, with a minimum interval of 14 days before or after receiving any other vaccines. This was out of an abundance of caution and not due to any known safety or immunity concerns. Extensive experience with non-COVID-19 vaccines has demonstrated that immunity and adverse event risk are similar when vaccines are administered simultaneously as when they are administered alone.

Week at a Glance-Health Division upcoming vaccination sites

The following locations will offer first dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments for individuals 12 years and older:

• Saturday, May 22: Suburban Showplace (Novi) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Monday, May 24: Milford Senior Center, 12-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 25: Commerce Twp. Library, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 26:
  • White Lake Twp. Library, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Oak Valley Middle School (Commerce Twp.), 3:30-7:30 p.m.
  • St. Vincent de Paul gym (Pontiac), 2:30-6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 27:
  • Troy Athens High School, 3-7 p.m.
  • Highland Activity Center, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more details about these locations, walk-in availability, or to make an appointment, click on our Get Vaccinated page. Vaccination appointments can also be booked over the phone by calling 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  COVID-19 vaccinations are provided at no cost.

OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information.