Hi there,
In anticipation of the upcoming week, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks to vaccinations, this may be the first holiday season in some time you are thinking about hosting or attending a celebration. Enjoy your time with family and friends! But also remember our children aged 5-11 will not yet be fully vaccinated before Thanksgiving, and other family members around the table may be considered high risk. Plan to have school age children or unvaccinated individuals start the vaccination series at least 5 weeks before any events. The precautions we have included below can also help protect all generations.
If you are fully vaccinated and eligible for a booster, consider getting one at least two weeks before gatherings or travel for the most protection. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently stated concern about rising cases and hospitalizations that may be alleviated by administering more vaccines and boosters rapidly.
We continue to successfully vaccinate 5 to 11-year old’s at our school-based and community locations across Oakland County. It has been thrilling seeing the positive response from the kids themselves. Yes, some are scared, but others are ready! There are lots of claps, fist pumps and superhero poses happening all around our sites from excited kiddos.
In vaccination coverage news, at least 76% of those 12 years and older and 16.3% 5-11 years old 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 from COVID-19 during the holidays
There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays. The best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safe is to get vaccinated. Here are tips to celebrate the holidays:
- Get yourself and other eligible people vaccinated.
- Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings or around someone with a weakened immune system.
- Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Outdoors is safer than indoors.
- If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
- Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
- If you are traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
- If you are gathering with a group of people from many households and potentially from different parts of the country, consider additional precautions (e.g., avoiding crowded indoor spaces before, getting tested) in advance of the gathering.
Eligible for a booster shot? Get one now!
Full approval of boosters for anyone 18 years and up at least 6 months after their second vaccine dose is expected soon. Anyone who meets eligibility is encouraged to schedule their booster shot as soon as approval is granted. COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease. MDHHS released the following guidance for Michiganders:
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If you are vaccinated
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If you are unvaccinated
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- Get your booster (18+)
- Get your flu shot
- Wear a mask in large indoor settings
- Test if you have symptoms or have been exposed
- Test after traveling for the holidays
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- Get vaccinated (5+)
- Get your flu shot
- Wear a mask for all indoor gatherings OR avoid indoor gatherings
- Test regularly
- Test if you have symptoms, have been exposed, or after traveling for the holidays
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School vaccination clinic highlights
This is 8-yr-old Autumn Webb of Lathrup Village. She got her pediatric dose at our news conference last Thursday. She was so excited, she returned to our Southfield High School clinic to be an "ambassador " to comfort other children getting their vaccines. Awesome job, Autumn!
Week at a Glance-Health Division upcoming vaccination sites
Check our website for information about who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
School-Aged Vaccination Clinics
Open to anyone age 5 through 18. Anyone under 18 must have a parent/guardian present. Appointments strongly recommended at our Get Vaccinated page or by calling our Nurse on Call hotline at 1-800-848-5533 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Friday, Nov. 19
- Oxford Middle School, 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 20
- Clarkston High School, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 21
- Novi Woods Elementary School, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 22
- Lakeland High School, 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 23
- West Bloomfield High School, 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Community Vaccination Clinics
Tuesday, Nov. 23
- Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 12:30-5:00 p.m., appointments strongly recommended, age 5+
- Anyone under 18 must have a parent/guardian present.
Wednesday, Nov. 24
- Oakland County Service Center North Oakland Health Center, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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Appointments strongly recommended, age 18+
Tuesday, Nov. 23
- Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Pontiac, noon-4 p.m., Walk-in only, age 18+
- Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, Pontiac, 8 a.m.-noon, Walk-in only, age 18+
OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information.
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