The Oakland County Health Division advises residents to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses as the holiday season approaches, including getting vaccinated, washing hands and staying home when symptomatic.
The holiday season brings large gatherings, crowded travel and more time spent indoors. Respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to spread this time of year causing countless hospitalizations and thousands of deaths in the United States.
“Holiday celebrations are around the corner and the best way to protect yourself from illness is being proactive and getting vaccinated, especially if you are in a high-risk group,” said Dr. Russell Faust, medical director of Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services. “Other important actions you can take to stay and keep others healthy are washing your hands and staying home when you’re sick.”
The Health Division recommends everyone over the age of 6 months receive the 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations are recommended for children under 5 years old and adults 50 years and older who have no history of receiving it.
Routine RSV vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 75 and older, adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and pregnant people who are between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during September through January. An RSV antibody injection is recommended for all babies younger than 8 months of age born to mothers who did not receive a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Individuals at high-risk of respiratory illness complications are recommended to get vaccinated which includes those with chronic disease, weakened immune systems or smokers. Talk with a doctor to determine whether you are at high-risk for respiratory illness complications.
Flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal (PCV20) shots are available on a walk-in basis at Health Division offices. Individuals 65 years and older qualify for a senior flu shot. Health Division offices are located at the following addresses:
• North Oakland Health Center, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
• South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
Payment options include cash, credit (Visa/Mastercard), Medicare, Medicaid, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and Blue Care Network and additional insurances. Credit card fees apply.
Bring picture identification and all insurance cards to the clinic. The Health Division participates in the Vaccines for Children Program which offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children.
For adults 19 years and older without insurance coverage for vaccines, the Health Division has limited free vaccines through the Michigan Adult Vaccine Program. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.
In addition to vaccination, the following strategies can reduce your risk of and help protect others against catching respiratory viruses:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your distance from others when you are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Take steps for cleaner air. You can improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors.
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails and doorknobs regularly can help prevent the spread of some illnesses.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food to keep your body and immune system healthy.
For up-to-date information, visit oakgov.com/health, and follow the Health Division on Facebook and X @publichealthOC. Nurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The holiday season brings large gatherings, crowded travel and more time spent indoors. Respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to spread this time of year causing countless hospitalizations and thousands of deaths in the United States.
“Holiday celebrations are around the corner and the best way to protect yourself from illness is being proactive and getting vaccinated, especially if you are in a high-risk group,” said Dr. Russell Faust, medical director of Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services. “Other important actions you can take to stay and keep others healthy are washing your hands and staying home when you’re sick.”
The Health Division recommends everyone over the age of 6 months receive the 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations are recommended for children under 5 years old and adults 50 years and older who have no history of receiving it.
Routine RSV vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 75 and older, adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and pregnant people who are between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during September through January. An RSV antibody injection is recommended for all babies younger than 8 months of age born to mothers who did not receive a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Individuals at high-risk of respiratory illness complications are recommended to get vaccinated which includes those with chronic disease, weakened immune systems or smokers. Talk with a doctor to determine whether you are at high-risk for respiratory illness complications.
Flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal (PCV20) shots are available on a walk-in basis at Health Division offices. Individuals 65 years and older qualify for a senior flu shot. Health Division offices are located at the following addresses:
• North Oakland Health Center, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
• South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
Payment options include cash, credit (Visa/Mastercard), Medicare, Medicaid, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and Blue Care Network and additional insurances. Credit card fees apply.
Bring picture identification and all insurance cards to the clinic. The Health Division participates in the Vaccines for Children Program which offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children.
For adults 19 years and older without insurance coverage for vaccines, the Health Division has limited free vaccines through the Michigan Adult Vaccine Program. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.
In addition to vaccination, the following strategies can reduce your risk of and help protect others against catching respiratory viruses:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your distance from others when you are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Take steps for cleaner air. You can improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors.
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails and doorknobs regularly can help prevent the spread of some illnesses.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food to keep your body and immune system healthy.
For up-to-date information, visit oakgov.com/health, and follow the Health Division on Facebook and X @publichealthOC. Nurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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