Hi there,
The annual flu season is quickly approaching, so I would like to share some thoughts about flu and COVID-19. While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and COVID-19 will both be spreading at that time.
When you throw in the fact that many more children have returned to in-person learning and more adults are no longer working fully from home, the upcoming flu season could have more implications for people, our communities and hospitals that already have emerging capacity concerns.
The same strategies of vaccination, physical distancing, masking, and handwashing can help prevent both COVID-19 and flu. Physicians and medical experts alike say that it’s safe to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu at the same time or near when you receive another vaccine. We have included more information about this below and also in an update for our Medical Director, Dr. Russell Faust:
The Health Division is in the midst of planning flu vaccination clinics in addition to more COVID-19 vaccination sites. More information will be posted to our website when available.
On the vaccination front, 74% of our residents 16 years or older and 73% 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
Stay safe! Get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19
As COVID-19 boosters are being recommended for some people, you may be wondering can I get a COVID-19 and flu shot together? Yes! You can get them at the same time or near when you received any dose of COVID-19 vaccine. If you have concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, speak with a health care provider. Ideally you want to get your flu vaccine by the end of October.
Here are some other facts about flu and COVID-19:
- Experts believe possible side effects are similar whether either vaccine is given alone or with other vaccines.
- For people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, whether or not they have symptoms, wait to get a flu vaccination until criteria are met to discontinue isolation and the person is no longer ill to avoid exposing other to COVID-19.
- There is no evidence that getting a flu vaccination raises your risk of getting sick from COVID-19.
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It’s possible to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
- Flu and COVID-19 can have similar symptoms, making it hard to tell the difference. Getting tested can check if symptoms may be flu, COVID-19, or another illness.
- In general, COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. Compared with people who have flu, people who have COVID-19 can take longer to show symptoms and be contagious longer.
This FAQ page compares COVID-19 and flu. More FAQ’s are also available about the 2021-2022 flu season. As always speak with a health care provider with any questions.
Boosters, third doses, and shots for under age 12-What's authorized, what's not?
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Third doses for immunosuppressed individuals are available: If you are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or receive immunosuppressive treatments, you may receive a third dose of Pfizer (12+) or Moderna (18+) vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose. The additional vaccine dose should be the same product as the initial 2-dose vaccine series.
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Booster doses will be available soon: On Sept. 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after getting two previous doses of Pfizer vaccine in certain populations. Today, CDC endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine in certain populations and also recommended a booster dose for those in high risk settings. COVID-19 vaccine providers are preparing to deliver booster doses to those who are newly qualified as more guidance is pending from Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
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COVID-19 vaccines for children under age 12 are not yet authorized or available: On Sept. 20 Pfizer announced initial results from a trial of COVID-19 vaccine in children age 5-11 years of age was well tolerated, safe and showed immune response. Pfizer plans to submit these results to FDA for authorization consideration as soon as possible.
Health Division upcoming vaccination sites
These locations will offer COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals 12 years and older next week. Walk-ins welcome. Visit our Get Vaccinated page for more details.
General vaccination sites
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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.
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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