If you have not yet received the flu vaccine due to a shortage and want to possibly prevent the flu, hurry now to one of the three Oakland County Health Division locations, where the ban has been lifted against giving the vaccine to healthy individuals.
George Miller, manager of the OCHD, said the Center for Disease Control has lifted the ban and 15,000 flu shots have been freed up for the general public at the OCHD located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac; 155 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake; and 27255 Greenfield Road, Southfield.
Miller reports that the OCHD has already given out 35,000 flu shots to high-risk populations, which includes anyone over 65, any individual with a chronic illness or compromised immune system, direct care providers or health professionals, pregnant women, any child aged 6 months to 23 months, and family members with babies less than 6 months.
‘We are anticipating that people who have gotten it in the past will now want to come in and take advantage of it,? Miller said.
The OCHD also has 700 doses of Flumist on hand, a live type of virus, compared to the shot’s killed virus. The mist can be administered nasally, but only to healthy individuals between the ages of 5-49.
The flu season began around mid-October and ends around mid-March. Miller said it has been very mild so far, with only four cases identified in Oakland County, but he also noted that the flu is not a reportable illness. The OCHD only hears about cases if a person seeks hospital treatment.
‘I do recommend the flu vaccine strongly for those in the high-risk category and anyone else who routinely gets the vaccine,? Miller said. ‘It’s time to get in before we run out. It’s mild now, but you never know when the flu season could pick up.?
Brandon Township seniors who need assistance in getting to the OCHD should call the Brandon Senior Center at (248) 627-6447.