Oakland County Health Division Kicks Off Flu Season

With the weather turning colder, the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) will once again offer the flu vaccine that guards against four flu viruses this season beginning Sept. 30th. This year’s vaccine protects against Type A H1N1 and H3N2 and two Type B strains which are most likely to occur this season.

“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.” Fight The Flu

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. The high-dose flu shot recommended for those 65 years and older is $34 and covered by Medicare. They will be available at Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield from Noon – 8 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays starting on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Residents are encouraged to pre-register now for their flu shot at www.oakgov.com/health.
Health Division will also hold seven community outreach clinics at the following locations:
• Sept.24, 3–7 p.m. Walled Lake Community Ed, 615 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake
• Oct.2, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Costick Center, 28600 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
• Oct.7, 3–7 p.m. Huron Valley Sinai Hospital, 1 William Carls Dr., Commerce
• Oct.8, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Madison Heights Senior Center, 29448 John R, Madison Heights
• Oct. 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy
• Oct.15, 3–7 p.m. Clarkston High School, 6093 Flemings Lake Road, Clarkston
• Oct.16, 3–7 p.m. Walled Lake Community Ed, 615 N Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake

Online registrants must print out a consent form to bring with them to the clinic where they are pre-enrolled. Payment options include Visa, MasterCard, health insurance, 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, health insurance, 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

From Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 in its Pontiac office, Health Division will also hold a health fair. 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, food safety, and Health Division programs and services. Oakland County Parks and Recreation, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, Enroll America, and Oakland Integrated Health Network will also be providing information on their programs and services, including enrollment into the Healthy Michigan Plan.

“The health fair is an opportunity to learn more about public health and overall wellness,” Forzley said.

For up-to-date information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, follow the Health Division on Facebook, Pinterest, 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.

About Sarah Hovis

Freelance wordsmith, arts appreciator, grammar geek, sports spectator, stationery snob, and world traveler, Sarah charts her own course as the owner of saliho creative. She uses her creative mind and engaging dialogue to fearlessly bring the written word to life in print and online… all while keeping a watchful eye out for the next literary adventure. You can reach her at sarah@rochestermedia.com.

Speak Your Mind

*