Michigan’s first flu cases confirmed in Oakland County

 Health Division reminds residents to get vaccinated

Pontiac, MI, October 18, 2010 – Oakland County Health Division is reminding residents to get a flu vaccination after the first two influenza cases of the 2010-2011 season in Michigan have been confirmed in Oakland County. The Bureau of Laboratories has confirmed a case of Influenza A/H3 in a 37-year-old Oakland County resident and a case of 2009 influenza A/H1N1 in a 26-year-old Oakland County resident. “These first confirmed cases are a reminder why it is important to be vaccinated against the flu,” said Oakland County Health Division Manager and Health Officer Kathy Forzley. “This year the vaccine is a 3-in-1 shot that gives triple defense against three strains of flu virus including H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B.” Flu shots are available for $11 at the Health Division offices in Pontiac, Southfield, and Walled Lake. Hours are noon – 8:00 p.m. Monday, and 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Pre-registration is encouraged. To pre-register, go to www.oakgov.com/health or call 248-858-7350 for North Oakland, 248-424-7120 for South Oakland, and 248-926-3302 for West Oakland. The registration system will allow clients to select the clinic location, date and time of their appointment and will also provide a consent form that must be taken to the clinic where they pre-enrolled. Walk-in clients will be accepted based on availability of appointment times. Online payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Medicare and/or Medicaid. Cash, Medicare and/or Medicaid are the only available payment options for walk-in clients who do not pre-register online.

Michigan’s first flu cases confirmed in Oakland County: Health Division reminds residents to get vaccinated. The first confirmed cases of influenza also serve as a reminder to residents to practice flu and cold prevention: • Wash your hands frequently • Cover your cough or sneezes • Stay home when you are sick • Clean commonly touched surfaces For more information, please visit www.oakgov.com/health 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. MEDIA INQUIRES ONLY: Kathy Forzley, manager/health officer of Oakland County Health Division, 248-858-1410; or Bill Mullan, media and communications officer, 248-858-1048.