Two of Michigan’s first four flu cases are in Oakland County, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Oakland County Health Division urge residents to take preventative action and get vaccinated against seasonal flu.
“The sooner you get the flu shot the better,” said Kathy Forzley, Health Division manager and health officer. “It takes a couple weeks after the vaccination for the body to shield itself against the flu.”
Oakland County’s flu vaccine guards against four strains of flu this season. The cases confirmed by MDCH matched the strains against which the vaccine provides protection and are of the influenza A variety.
Flu shots are available at Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield from noon to 8:00 p.m. Mondays, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. They cost $20. 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.
Walk-in clients are welcome. Their payment options include cash, Visa, MasterCard, Medicare, and/or Medicaid (no checks or money orders). Credit card fees apply.
Residents can pre-register at www.oakgov.com/health and print out a consent form to bring to the clinic where they are pre-enrolled. Online payment options include Visa, MasterCard, 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.
For more information about flu, visit www.oakgov.com/health, contact the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533, or follow the Health Division on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC.
About Sarah Hovis