Pontiac, Mich., Aug. 27, 2013 –  Oakland County Health Division will offer a vaccine that guards individuals against four flu viruses this season. This year’s vaccine shields against Type A H1N1 and H3N2 and two Type B strains which are most likely to occur this season. The vaccine protected against three flu strains in years past.

Residents can pre-register now for the inoculation at www.oakgov.com/health.  

“Our goal is to keep our residents healthy,” County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “We urge them to take the necessary precautions against the flu this season and every season.”

Health Division Manager/Health Officer Kathy Forzley said the flu vaccine plays a key role in reducing the number of those who become ill.

“The flu typically takes the lives of 36,000 Americans a year. Getting an annual flu shot not only lessens the chance of getting the flu, but also helps decrease the severity of the illness and complications,” she said.

Flu shots cost $20. They will be available at Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield from Noon – 8 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays starting on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Health Division will also hold community outreach clinics at the following locations:

• Walled Lake Community Education, 615 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake

               o   Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 3 – 7 p.m.

               o   Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 3 – 7 p.m.

• William M. Costick Activities Center, 28600 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills

               o   Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Lakeland High School, 1630 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake

               o   Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 2 – 7 p.m.

• Stoney Creek High School, 575 E. Tienken, Rochester Hills

               o   Thursday, Oct. 3 from 3 – 7 p.m.

• Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy

               o   Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Clarkston High School, 6093 Flemings Lake Road, Clarkston

               o   Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 3 – 7 p.m.

• South Lyon High School, 1000 N. Lafayette, South Lyon

               o   Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 3 – 7 p.m.

Online registrants will print out a consent form that they must bring to the clinic where they are pre-enrolled. Online payment options include Visa, MasterCard, Medicare, and/or Medicaid. Credit card fees apply. One may also pay cash at the time of the appointment. Those who are unable to register online may call 248-858-7350 or 248-424-7120.   

Walk-in clients are welcome. Their payment options include cash, Visa, MasterCard, Medicare, and/or Medicaid (no checks or money orders). Credit card fees apply.

The Health Division offices are located at the following addresses:  

• North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
• South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield.

During the first week of flu shots in its Pontiac office, the Health Division will hold a health fair.

“The health fair is an opportunity to learn more about overall public health and wellness,” Forzley said. “There will be blood pressure/BMI screenings, displays for safe sleep and child passenger safety, as well as information on adult vaccinations, substance abuse, healthy eating, exercise, West Nile Virus, and food safety.”

For up-to-date information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, follow OCHD on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC, or call the Health Division’s Flu Shot Hotline at 800-434-3358. Nurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800-848-5533.