Friday, July 2 Update

Hi there,

Happy almost Fourth of July! We are currently at 68.8% vaccination coverage for residents 16 years and older who have received at least their first dose. We have a little further to go to meet our 70% goal and we can get there with your help.

According to a study published last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine coverage among young adults is lower and increasing more slowly over time than other age groups. We’re hoping that our new incentive program – a $50 gift card for ANY Oakland County resident getting their first dose – will attract all unvaccinated people, including young adults and teens, to get their first shot.

In addition to our gift card incentive, Governor Whitmer announced the state’s “MI Shot to Win Sweepstakes,” which is a lottery-style raffle, and will offer a total payout of $5 million, as well as nine scholarships valued at $55,000 a piece. Many other organizations and businesses throughout Michigan are also offering giveaways during COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Need a COVID-19 vaccine? Appointments and walk-ins are welcome at our vaccination clinics.  Help us promote our $50 gift incentive to all your unvaccinated family and friends. In our weekly COVID-19 update video, I provide more updates about our COVID-19 response:

As you gather this weekend with family and friends on the lake, camping, or at a barbeque, remember that unvaccinated people can continue to spread COVID-19 and the more transmissible new variants could accelerate the spread.  Continue to follow guidance if unvaccinated attending small gatherings.

Today the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard reports 1,366,057 doses have been given to Oakland County residents.  Visit the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for even more data related to vaccination.

In good health,

Leigh-Anne Stafford

Director, Health and Human Services

Myocarditis and Pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination

Myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination are rare reactions. As of June 21, 2021, CDC’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has received 616 reports of myocarditis or pericarditis – an inflammation of the heart muscle or outer lining of the heart - among people ages 30 and younger who received COVID-19 vaccine. Through follow-up, including medical record reviews, CDC and FDA have confirmed 393 reports of myocarditis or pericarditis.  More than 177 million people have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States.

Most cases have been reported after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), particularly in male adolescents and young adults. More often, the cases have appeared several days after getting the second dose.

Most patients who received care responded well to treatment and rest and quickly felt better. Patients can usually return to their normal daily activities after their symptoms improve.

We continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older given the risks associated with COVID-19 illness and possibly severe complications, such as long-term health problems, hospitalization and even death.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis.

Oakland County $50 vaccine incentive continues until 70% goal met

A $50 gift card incentive* is available to any Oakland County resident receiving their first COVID-19 vaccine from June 24 until our 70% goal met.

Visit any Oakland County Health Division vaccine clinic or any other COVID-19 vaccine provider in Michigan to qualify for the incentive while supplies last. Explore OaklandCountyVaccine.com to locate a Health Division vaccine clinic. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. for more information.

Oakland County residents who receive their first dose from June 24 at a provider other than Oakland County Health Division may claim the incentive by:

• Visiting OaklandCountyVaccine.com to complete a survey. The gift card will be mailed after the Health Division has verified vaccination status.
• Individuals who do not have access to the Internet, may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to claim their gift card.

Use the State of Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine finder to locate a convenient provider.

*Legal notice: This incentive will be offered until Oakland County reaches 70% vaccination rate or until all gift cards have been distributed, whichever comes first. Persons under 18 are eligible to receive a vaccine and a gift card with the consent of their parent or legal guardian. This is not a lottery, and the COVID-19 vaccine is provided free of charge. No person will be asked to pay any money in exchange for the COVID-19 vaccine or the $50 gift card. There is no element of chance involved in this incentive.

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 (unless otherwise indicated):

• Monday-Friday- 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m
  • Oakland County North Oakland Health Center (Pontiac)
  • Oakland County South Oakland Health Center (Southfield)
• Friday, July 2
  • Red Oaks Waterpark (Madison Heights), 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. 
  • Addison Oaks County Park (Leonard), 12 – 3 p.m. 

• Saturday, July 3
  • 4^th of July event at Clawson Park, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Groveland Oaks (Holly) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Thursday, July 8
  • Dorsey College (Madison Heights), 10 a.m.-2 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. to 6 p.m. COVID-19 vaccinations provided at no cost.

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