A few weeks ago, we experienced hazardous air quality in our state — unlike anything we had seen before in Michigan. Though conditions have improved since then, it is very important to prepare for additional poor air quality days while fires continue to burn in Canada and Minnesota.
The new academic year is a great reminder to make sure your children’s immunizations are up to date. Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective tools to prevent serious illnesses. When more kids are vaccinated, entire classrooms and communities are protected, including those who cannot be vaccinated due to age or illness. We make it easy to get your child vaccinated before the first bell rings. Get all the information you need to prepare for the school year in the article below.
Lastly, public health departments across the state are continuing to track the cyclosporiasis outbreak impacting thousands of Michigan residents. You may get a call or text from us at Oakland County Health Division if you tested positive for cyclospora. If you begin having symptoms, start a food journal to track what you have eaten for the past 2 weeks. The information you share is an important tool to track the source of contamination and help keep our community safe.
Kate Guzmán, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Shots of Confidence: Protecting Our Community Through Immunization
Celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month by checking on your family’s vaccine status before the school year and flu season arrive. Immunizations are one of the simplest, most effective tools to keep you and your loved ones healthy — and Oakland County Health Division is here to help make sure every resident has access to them.
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Back-to-school requirements — The State of Michigan requires certain immunizations for students entering school, and specific grades have additional requirements. If your child’s shots are not up to date, now is the time to stop in before the fall rush.
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Flu shots — Flu season ramps up in the fall and lasts through the entire winter. Getting vaccinated early gives your body time to build immunity before cases start climbing in your community.
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Adults need vaccines too — Tdap, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for many adults, especially those over 50, managing chronic health conditions or caring for young children or older family members.
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Cost is not a barrier — Oakland County Health Division offers immunization services regardless of insurance status.
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Where to get vaccinated — No appointment is needed; Oakland County Health Division immunization clinics are walk-in only. You can find hours and locations at OakGov.Com/Health or call 800-848-5533 with questions.
Whether you are stopping in for your child’s back-to-school shots or getting your own flu vaccine, every immunization is a small act that protects the people around you.
Get Body Art Safely: Tips From Our Body Art Inspection Team
The Environmental Health team at Oakland County Health Division oversees more than 160 licensed body art facilities throughout Oakland County. The inspections help ensure that tattooing, piercing and other body art services are performed safely and in compliance with state and local health requirements.
Body art is a popular form of self-expression, but procedures that pierce or break the skin carry health risks unless proper precautions are followed. Before getting a tattoo, a piercing or another body art service, keep these tips in mind:
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Choose a licensed facility — Licensed body art facilities are required to meet standards established under Michigan Public Act 375 and the Oakland County Sanitary Code. Practitioners must use sterilized equipment, wear disposable gloves and open new single-use needles in your presence.
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Ask questions — A reputable practitioner is willing to explain their sterilization procedures, aftercare instructions and licensing status.
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Know the risks — Improper body art procedures can lead to skin infections, allergic reactions, scarring and the transmission of bloodborne diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C.
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Follow aftercare instructions — Keep the area clean and follow your practitioner’s recommendations for proper healing and infection prevention.
Remember that tattooing, piercing, branding and other body art procedures performed outside of a licensed facility are illegal in Michigan and may put your health at risk. If you have concerns about a body art facility or practitioner or would like to report potential violations of Michigan Public Act 375, anonymous complaints may be submitted through the Acella Citizen Access portal or by contacting the Oakland County Health Division at 248-858-1312 or health@oakgov.com.
Walled Lake WIC Relocated
Our Walled Lake Women, Infants and Children office has moved! WIC appointments previously scheduled at our Walled Lake location are now held at the Farmington Hills Oakland Family Services office at 33481 W. 14 Mile Rd., Ste. 120, Farmington Hills.
There are no changes to appointments at the Oakland County Health Division’s Pontiac, Southfield and OLHSA WIC locations. Call 248-858-1272 with questions or to reschedule.
Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap
National Breastfeeding Month is observed every August to raise awareness about the benefits of lactation and to improve support for families. We hope you will join us for our Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap event on Aug. 17! This free community will have resources, raffles, giveaways and a keynote speaker. Click here to register.
Each year the Food and Nutrition Administration, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) recognizes local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities. This year, our agency was given the Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence! We appreciate our WIC staff and all they do to encourage and support breastfeeding among our WIC participants!
Looking for breastfeeding resources in Oakland County?
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For in-person lactation services, complete this form to have our lactation support team contact you.
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Women, Infants and Children clients who need breastfeeding peer support can call WIC at 248-858-1272, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Anyone who needs breastfeeding help can call or text the WIC Breastfeeding Warmline at 833-649-4223, Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Join our team!
The Oakland County Health & Human Services Department is hiring! Visit the for details and to apply.
More information from the Health Division and the Neighborhood & Housing Development Division
Check out the Oakland County Health Division webpage and Neighborhood & Housing Development Division webpage for information about our services and various topics. You can call us at , Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
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