Hi there,
It is hard to believe we are starting our last month of summer. With August, comes public health observances, including National Immunization Awareness and National Breastfeeding Month. You can read more below about some special related events. But I want to place an extra spotlight on immunizations, especially with back-to-school time approaching.
COVID-19 disrupted routine life-saving vaccination rates globally, putting millions at risk for diseases like measles, meningitis, and whooping cough. Some of these illnesses were nearly eradicated in the U.S. Vaccine-preventable diseases are still a threat and without high immunization levels, communities are at risk for outbreaks.
Vaccines save lives. Let’s use August to get back on track with routine vaccines. If you are a parent or guardian, take your child before school starts for immunizations they need. If you are a health care provider, drive the importance of catch-up and on-time immunization, especially for those living in medically underserved areas. We can get vaccination rates up together!
Work also has begun to combat monkeypox here in Oakland County. Two weeks ago, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter launched the Oakland County Monkeypox Task Force to respond to the outbreak and educate the public about the illness. View the press conference here.
Our County has one of the highest monkeypox cases in Michigan. I am leading the task force to develop a communication and education plan about monkeypox and a strategy for community outreach. The task force also will create a plan for the broad distribution of vaccines once they become more readily available. We are already responding through targeted vaccination, contact tracing and monitoring. Find information about monkeypox here and we will continue to update you on the situation.
Be Well,
Dr. Calandra Green, Health Officer, Oakland County
Don’t wait, vaccinate! Back to School immunizations available
Make sure that you and your family are up to date on your vaccinations. They’re your best shot against serious illness. If you or anyone in your family has fallen behind on receiving routine vaccinations, schedule the entire family to catch-up. Staying up-to-date helps prevent disease risks, outbreaks and keeps our whole community safe.
We want to make it easier for you! Stop by one of our Health Division offices in Pontiac or Southfield Aug. 22-26. We will be open until 6:45 p.m. and will have school related and COVID-19 vaccinations available. Appointments are available, and walk-ins are welcome. If these dates don’t work for you, we also provide immunizations for all ages by appointment only: Monday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Tuesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
August is National Breastfeeding Month
During National Breastfeeding Month, we celebrate the power and impact of collective efforts to support breastfeeding individuals in Oakland County. This is not just achieved by one person or organization. It happens by many partners working together to provide breastfeeding services, support, and education.
The Health Division is hosting a free and virtual event-Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap. This will be an educational discussion geared towards providers, community members, and families that includes a variety of experts sharing information. Learn how to overcome barriers, the importance of breastfeeding and what local support resources are available. Register here.
Emergency Medicaid eligibility coverage changes expected
During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), changes were made to Medicaid eligibility policies to ease rules for providers and prevent individuals with Medicaid from losing healthcare coverage. It is anticipated that these options will soon end.
When the federal PHE ends, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will check if you still qualify for Medicaid.
What to do now
- Update your address, phone number, and email address and report any changes to your household or income online at gov/MIBridges. You can also call your local MDHHS office or locate organizations that can help.
- If you get a renewal packet, fill it out, sign the forms, and return by the due date with any proof required. If you do not complete your renewal, you may lose your Medicaid coverage. Renewal packets will be mailed after the PHE ends. The end date has not yet been determined.
- If MDHHS completes a review and you no longer qualify, you can choose to buy healthcare coverage through HealthCare.gov.
For more information, visit Medicaid - COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Ending Resources.
Mosquito season continues. Protect yourself!
West Nile virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus are mosquito-borne diseases identified in Michigan over the past several years, though there are no identified human cases in Michigan yet this year.
Mosquito-borne diseases are seasonal and tend to be seen in the later summer months and into the fall. Most people who are infected with a mosquito-borne virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop.
The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten.
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellant.
- All EPA-registered insect repellants are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home.
- Turn over any type of container that can collect water. Once a week, empty out items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots, and trash containers.
- Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
- Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as retention ponds or drainage ditches, with a mosquito larvicide. Mosquito larvicide is easy to use and is available at most home improvement stores.
- Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out. Do not prop open doors.
Health Division COVID-19 vaccination sites & info
Check out our Get Vaccinated page for information about COVID vaccination and to find out who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Appointments are recommended and can be made online or by calling our Nurse on Call hotline at 1-800-848-5533 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Visit the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard and the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for updated vaccination data.
Oakgov.com/health is the best place to receive the latest information. Add, update, or opt out of Health Division email or text communications by clicking here.
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