This story appeared in The Oakland Press. Read more here.
It’s time to start thinking about flu vaccinations. With the social distancing and masking precautions, flu cases were abnormally low last year. That could change with the flu season that starts this month.
Oakland County’s annual flu vaccination program gets underway this week at the North Oakland Health Center in Pontiac and South Oakland Health Center in Southfield. Flu shots are also available at most pharmacies.
Getting the flu vaccine is even more urgent during the pandemic according to Oakland County Health Division Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust.
“Those who get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time double their risk of dying from complications of either respiratory illness,” Faust said. “If you get the flu vaccine, you can reduce the risk of you, your loved ones, and others in the community from getting seriously ill or dying from the flu.”
Flu shots for ages six months to 64 years are available for $24 at both Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield. Individuals 65 years and older qualify for a high-dose flu shot, which costs $69. Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Mondays and 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Pre-payment and registration are not needed at these indoor clinics. Bring a photo ID and insurance card, if available. Masks are required inside Health Division offices.
Oakland County will also host community clinics to administer the flu vaccine this month at the following locations:
- Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Dr., Rochester on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Costick Activities Center, 28600 W. 11 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Rd., Troy on 20 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Appointments are preferred but not required for these community clinics. For self-registration, go to Oakgov.com/Health. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to schedule an appointment. Please bring a photo identification and if available, an insurance card, to the community clinic.
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 photo 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 up to 18-years-old. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.
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
For up-to-date information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, follow the Health Division on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC. Nurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800-848-5533, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.