Hi there,
National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. Before now, a pandemic wasn’t thought about very much, especially in the case of what people need to do before such an emergency occurs.
But COVID-19 has demonstrated that a new virus can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world.
While it is hard to predict when or where the next new pandemic will emerge, planning can help slow the spread of disease to others, give you guidance on how to care for yourself or loved ones quickly if they become ill, and even prevent future health complications. For example, one of the best ways to prepare is by getting a COVID-19 vaccination now, because the shot may prevent “long-haul COVID” in the future by reducing the chance of infection and severity of illness, both of which are associated with these long-term complications.
Ready.gov has information about what you can do before, during and after a pandemic occurs. I invite you to check out some of these tips and even read more below about post-COVID conditions.
On the vaccination front, at least 73.5% of our residents 16 years or older and 72.4% of those 12 years and 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
Vaccination can prevent "long-COVID"
Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of falling ill, some people experience post-COVID conditions. These longer-term health issues can last weeks, even months. Even people who had mild or no symptoms can have post-COVID conditions. This is commonly referred to as long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID.
A recent CDC study shows that some adults who had COVID-19 may experience ongoing health problems that can last four or more weeks after infection. Health problems may include shortness of breath, fatigue, difficulty concentrating (“brain-fog”), headache, fast-beating or pounding heart, cough, joint or muscle pain, pins and needles feeling, dizziness/lightheadedness, or mood changes.
Some people who had severe illness can experience multi-organ effects or autoimmune conditions over a longer time. Multi-organ effects can affect most, if not all, body systems, including heart, lung, kidney, skin, and brain functions. Autoimmune conditions happen when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing painful swelling or tissue damage. While it is very rare, some people, mostly children, experience multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) during or immediately after a COVID-19 infection. MIS is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed.
The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is by getting individuals 12 years or older vaccinated. Vaccination is recommended even if someone is experiencing long term effects. COVID-19 vaccines protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Visit out Oakland County Vaccine Hub for Health Division vaccination opportunities.
FAQ-I lost my COVID-19 vaccination card, how can I get my immunization record?
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched the Michigan Immunization Portal. Michigan adults with immunization records posted in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), including COVID-19 vaccination, will be able to locate their own record online and download, save or print this information.
To ensure privacy and that individuals are only able to access their own immunization records, a MILogin account at Michigan.gov/MiImmsportal must be created by uploading a valid government issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. There is no cost to access the portal.
Immunizations provided in another state or country may not be included in an individual’s record in the portal. If an immunization record can’t be found, records can still be requested from a physician’s office or local health department.
The portal is only available for those 18 years or older. Parents may contact their child’s physician’s office or local health department to get a copy of their child’s immunization records.
Health Division upcoming vaccination sites
These locations will offer COVID-19 vaccinations in September for individuals 12 years and older.
General vaccination sites
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Monday-Friday- 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday by appointment only
from 5-7 p.m.
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Oakland County Health Centers (Pontiac & Southfield)
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Friday, Sept. 17
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Rhama Worldwide (Beverly Hills), 6:30-8:00 p.m.
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Tuesday, Sept. 21
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Welcome Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 8 a.m.-noon
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Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 12-4 p.m.
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Tuesday, Sept. 28
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Welcome Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 8 a.m.-noon
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Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (Pontiac), 12-4 p.m.
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Wednesday, Sept. 29
- Best Western Premier Hotel (Southfield), 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
For more details, 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.
Our website, OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information.
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