Hi there,
Happy back-to-school to many of our Oakland County families! A new school year is an exciting, but busy time to get back into routines. I offer these back-to-school tips to help you and your family return to the classroom safely and in good health:
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Stay up-to-date on vaccines to help protect children and staff from illness and prevent missed school days. This includes COVID-19, seasonal flu shots and the various immunizations required for school entry in Michigan.
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Teach children healthy habits like frequently washing hands and drinking water throughout the school day.
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Test students routinely for hearing and vision difficulties to help them succeed in school. We provide this service at no cost in most Oakland County public, private, and charter schools, preschools and at Health Division offices. Learn more about our hearing and vision screening services.
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Make healthy food choices. Pack healthier lunch options and encourage children to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and choose water, not juice or soda. Check out this nutrition guide that has information and fun activities for kids to learn about nutrition.
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Set consistent routines to keep children productive during the school year. Create a set bedtime, a homework and meal schedule, limit electronics and incorporate exercise daily.
I also want to let you know about our new At-Home COVID-19 Texting service! Simply text Oakland to 1-855-706-1919 after a positive at home COVID-19 test to receive relevant and up-to-date recommendations about isolation, prevention and more. This can help you easily navigate information to answer any questions you may have.
As we enter September, stay connected at oakgov.com/health or follow us on Facebook & Twitter for the latest updates about flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, monkeypox and more!
Be Well,
Dr. Calandra Green, Health Officer, Oakland County
When will the new COVID-19 booster be available?
Pfizer and Moderna have submitted applications to the FDA for authorization of an updated COVID-19 booster shot, commonly known as the 'bivalent COVID-19 booster'. These boosters contain an updated formula that boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strains and protects against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases. Updated boosters are intended to provide protection against the virus and address waning vaccine effectiveness over time.
Both the FDA and CDC have approved the use of the bivalent COVID-19 booster as of September 2. Updated booster doses could be available to Oakland County residents 12 years of age or older within the next couple of weeks.
In anticipation of the new bivalent booster being available soon, the Health Division is no longer able to give the original, monovalent boosters per the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Future availability of the bivalent booster will be communicated on our website.
Three steps can prevent monkeypox
Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close personal contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk. Take the following three steps to prevent getting monkeypox:
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Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
- Early indications show events with activities (raves, parties, clubs, and festivals) in which people engage in close, sustained skin-to-skin contact have resulted in cases of monkeypox. Learn more about social gatherings and monkeypox.
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Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
Keep children safe in vehicles – Get your child’s car seat checked
Sept. 18 kicks off Child Passenger Safety Week. This week reminds us of the importance of getting our child’s car seat checked by a certified car seat technician. As any parent knows, car seats can be complicated to install. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about half of car seats are installed incorrectly. Certified car seat technicians are great resources, and often free, to help answer questions and concerns about your child’s car seat.
Find a local technician at http://bit.ly/2XBceB1
Join Oakland County’s Suicide Prevention Community Forum
Everyone has a role in preventing suicide in our community. Learn from professionals at our annual suicide prevention community forum hosted by the Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force.
This year’s event features a keynote presentation “Hopeless to Whole: One Healer’s Recovery from Suicide and Bipolar” by Amanda Stein, a panel discussion to increase understanding of higher-risk populations and actions to take. An optional Suicide Prevention 101 session will be offered. Virtual attendance is available. To register, visit oakgov.com/suicideprevention.
Smartphone initiative provides easy access to behavioral health resources
Oakland Community Health Network’s “Keep Us in Your Contacts” initiative is helping ensure people have quick and easy access to important behavioral health service information. In just three simple steps, you can add this valuable resource to your smartphone when needed.
Health Division COVID-19 sites & info
Check out our COVID-19 Vaccine page for information about COVID vaccination and to find out who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. 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 COVID-19 Summary Dashboard for updated COVID-19 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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