Friday, August 20 Update

Hi there,

COVID-19 vaccinations are now readily available and highly encouraged for everyone 12 years or older who can be vaccinated. New data and recommendations continue to emerge related to various population groups.  The rise in cases, vaccine hesitancy, and the increased risk of severe illness from the Delta variant in special populations make vaccination more urgent than ever.

This past weekend, you likely heard about a third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine being authorized for immunocompromised people.  The Health Division immediately began vaccinating those eligible at all our vaccination sites.  Next week we will hold multiple outreach sites across the county to further target this population.  Pre-registration is requested; however walk-ins will be accepted.  Please see more information about these clinics below.

CDC also recently released new data on the safety of COVID vaccine in pregnant people. This information further supports all pregnant people or people who are thinking about becoming pregnant and those breastfeeding to get vaccinated to protect themselves.

With August marking National Breastfeeding Month, we are re-sharing an interview with our Medical Director, Dr. Faust and Senator Mallory McMorrow who became a new mother recently. While this video is from March 2021, it answers some frequently asked questions about this topic. 

71.8% of our residents 16 years or older have received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard and the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for even more vaccination data.

In good health,

Leigh-Anne Stafford Director, Health and Human Services

Immunocompromised individuals can now get a third vaccine dose 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) modified the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow the administration of an additional dose (i.e., third dose) of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after an initial 2-dose series for immunocompromised people.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization practices unanimously voted in favor of the recommendation. This EUA amendment does not apply to the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

If you are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive treatments, you may receive a third dose of mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose. Conditions or treatments include but are not limited to:

• Received an organ or stem cell transplant
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress immune response
• People with certain chronic health conditions (such as Chronic renal disease, Type I diabetes, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
  • Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if an additional dose is appropriate.
    

The additional vaccine dose should be the same product as the initial 2-dose vaccine series unless the original product is not available. A immunocompromised person should not receive more than three mRNA vaccine doses. Read more here.

Federal health officials also announced that anyone who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine regardless of being immunocompromised will be able to get a booster eight months after their second dose in future months pending approval by FDA and CDC. The Health Division is developing plans to roll out the booster to any Oakland County resident beginning late September or early October contingent upon guidance.

You do not have to visit the same provider where you received your other doses for a third dose. Many doctor’s offices, clinics, and pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines.

See below for Health Division outreach locations for immunocompromised individuals.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and COVID vaccination

Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been growing.  The benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy outweighs any known or potential risks.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended by CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future.

Although the overall risk of severe illness is low, pregnant and recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Severe illness includes a need for hospitalization, intensive care, a ventilator, or illness that results in death. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems in women or men.

Week at a Glance-Health Division upcoming vaccination sites

The following locations will offer COVID-19 vaccinations in August for individuals 12 years and older.

Third-dose outreach locations for immunocompromised individuals

Eligible individuals are asked to pre-register if receiving a third dose at these locations:

• Monday-Friday- 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; every Wednesday in August open
  until 7 p.m.
  
  
  • Oakland County Health Centers (Pontiac & Southfield)
    
    
• Tuesday, Aug. 24
  
  
  • Welcome Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 8 a.m.-noon
    
    
  • Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 2-6 p.m.
    
    
  • Southfield Pavilion, 12-4 p.m.
    
    
• Wednesday, Aug. 25
   
  • Rochester Fire Station #1 (Drive Thru), 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
    
    
• Friday, Aug. 27
  
  
  • Novi Fire Station #4 (Drive Thru), 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

General vaccination locations

• Monday-Friday- 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; every Wednesday in August open
  until 7 p.m.
  
  
  • Oakland County Health Centers (Pontiac & Southfield)
    
    
• Friday, Aug. 20
  
  
  • Berkley CruiseFest (Berkley), 4-6 p.m.
    

• Saturday, Aug. 21
  
  
  • Ferndale Dream Cruise, 10 a.m.-noon

• Sunday, Aug. 22
  
  
  • Festival of Hope (Novi Civic Center), noon-4 p.m.
    
    
• Tuesday, Aug. 24
   
  • Welcome Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 8 a.m.-noon
    
    
  • Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 2-6 p.m. 
    

• Saturday, Aug. 28
  
  
  • Believers Community Back to School Event (Pontiac), 2-6 p.m.
    
    
  • Prospect Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 12-4 p.m.
    

• Monday, Aug. 30
  
  
  • Hazel Park Community Center, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 
    

• Tuesday, Aug. 31
  
  
  • Best Western Premier Hotel (Southfield), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
    
    
  • Carnival Market (Pontiac), 12-3 p.m.
    
    
  • Welcome Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 8 a.m.-noon
    
    
  • Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 2-6 p.m.

For more details about these locations, click on our Get Vaccinated page.  You can also call 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more assistance. COVID-19 vaccinations are provided at no cost.

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