|
Hi there,
Fall is officially here and with that comes pumpkin spice, a great time to visit an Oakland County cider mill and last but not least, respiratory virus prevention!
We are busy preparing for flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating at the same time this fall and winter. Vaccines provide life-saving protection against all three respiratory diseases. We began giving flu shots for the 2023-2024 flu season on Sept. 25 at our North and South Oakland Health Centers in Pontiac or Southfield. Flu shots are recommended for individuals aged 6 months or older. We offer walk-in immunizations on Mondays 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. We also expect to begin providing the updated COVID-19 vaccine very soon. Continue to visit oakgov.com/health for more information. As always, check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider about local availability for all these vaccines.
Don’t forget one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sick or spreading germs to others is washing your hands. Also, stay home when you are sick and keep your distance from others in your home if possible. For more tips, CDC has great information.
A quick reminder for those Oakland County residents who participated in our Senior Market FRESH and WIC Project FRESH programs: redeem any remaining coupons for fresh, local produce from participating Oakland County farmers markets by Oct. 31. Check out our 2023 Oakland County Farmer’s Market listing of locations that accept these coupons and don’t miss out!
In closing, I am beyond proud to share Oakland County Health Division’s 2022 Community Update. It highlights some of the Division’s innovative programs from the past year and the impact our dedicated staff has made in the county. This Community Update is dedicated to our beloved Health Officer, Dr. Calandra Green. Through her leadership, our organization advanced key priorities and became more ingrained within the community. In Calandra’s memory, we will continue to strive for a more equitable future for all Oakland County residents.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine recommended for 6 months and older
Health officials recommend the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 related hospitalization and death. It also reduces your chance of experiencing long COVID.
Oakland County is awaiting receipt of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to visit oakgov.com/health for more information. Contact your local pharmacy or health care provider to inquire about local availability.
The updated vaccine provides protection against currently circulating variants. It can be given with other vaccines, including flu and RSV vaccines.
The 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for:
-
Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination: Get one updated COVID-19 vaccine at least two months after getting the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
-
Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age: Children of this age who are not vaccinated can get two or three doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine depending on which vaccine they receive. Children aged 6 months–4 years who got COVID-19 vaccines before Sept. 12, 2023, can get one or two doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine depending on which vaccine and the number of doses they’ve previously received.
-
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised: Complete a three-dose initial series with at least one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine and may receive one or more additional updated COVID-19 vaccine doses.
In addition, testing for COVID-19 continues to be an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Get free at-home tests through the federal government at COVIDTests.gov to receive up to four free tests per household. Local libraries across Michigan may also provide free at-home COVID-19 tests. Private health insurers are no longer required to cover at-home COVID-19 tests, however information is available regarding eligibility and options for individuals with private insurance and Medicare. Under federal law, Medicaid and MIChild participants can obtain free at-home and laboratory COVID-19 tests through Sept. 30, 2024. Check with your insurer for the up-to-date information for your specific plan.
All Michigan children will now be screened for lead
All children are at risk for lead poisoning but children younger than 6 years old are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure since lead is easily absorbed in their developing nervous system.
While there has been progress lowering blood levels in children, some populations continue to experience health disparities around lead poisoning, including non-Hispanic Black children, individuals living in lower income households, pregnant women, and immigrants and refugees. Lower income individuals are more likely to live in older homes built before 1978 before lead paint was banned and may be exposed to lead through flaking paint and lead pipes. Immigrant and refugee persons who enter the United States and settle in Oakland County may also be at greater risk of lead exposure and poisoning due to exposure to environmental toxins and consumer products in their country of origin.
Lead exposure can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, but early screening in children by testing and monitoring for lead exposure can help catch it early. Michigan lawmakers recently passed legislation to ensure all Michigan children are screened for lead at ages 1 and 2 regardless of insurance status. Universal lead testing will have a profound impact on ending lead poisoning.
Enrolled in Oakland County WIC? Free lead screening is now available during your regular WIC appointment on Mondays at our North Oakland Health Center (Pontiac) clinic. Call WIC at 248-858-1272 for more information!
Join us for a free virtual baby safety fair during Safe Sleep Awareness Month
October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. This observance helps remind caregivers to follow infant safe sleep guidelines when caring for a baby. Many of Oakland County’s infant deaths are sleep-related and preventable.
One way to learn more about safe sleep practices is to attend our free Virtual Baby Safety Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 10– 11:30 a.m. All parents and caregivers are welcome! The safety fair will include short presentations about various safety topics including:
- Traveling and safe sleep (the Do’s and Don’ts)
- The dangers in using or reselling recalled products
- Postpartum depression, coping and Purple Crying
Click HERE to register for the virtual event.
Sickle Cell Disease support available
Did you know that Sickle Cell Disease is a covered condition for adults and children through Michigan Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)? If you or someone you know has Sickle Cell Disease, contact us to learn more about CSHCS and resources to help you manage this condition.
Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic condition more prevalent in African American and Latinx/Hispanic descent and affects approximately 100,000 Americans. There are about 2,000 babies born with Sickle Cell Disease annually in the U.S. Sickle cell disease causes a person’s red blood cells to not be shaped as they should be - some are round and flexible (normal) and others are curved or “sickle” in shape. The sickled cells can block blood vessels causing blood flow to be slowed or stopped. This may cause pain, organ damage, or many other complications that impact all parts of the body.
Disease management focuses on prevention and symptom care including routine immunizations to prevent other diseases, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, regular exercise, medications, avoiding infections, and blood transfusions. The only potential cure is a bone marrow transplant.
Call Oakland County’s CSHCS office for more information at 248-858-0056 to learn more.
More Health Division info
Check out our webpage page for information about our services and various health topics. You can also call our Nurse on Call hotline at 1-800-848-5533 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).
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.
|
