Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Division is launching a new program to vaccinate homebound residents 65 years and older for influenza in their homes beginning Tuesday, October 27. Appointments are required. The Health Division’s Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 will start accepting appointments on October 22.

“This important service will help remove barriers for our most at-risk residents to receive a flu shot this season,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year since both flu viruses and COVID-19 will be present in our community.”

Flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however the flu vaccination has many other benefits:

• Helps prevent flu illness
• Reduces risk of flu-associated hospitalizations
• Has been shown to reduce severity of illness if you do get the flu
• Protects you and the people around you including those more vulnerable to the disease

Public Health Nurses will visit residents’ home during a designated appointment time. Nurses can provide individuals 65 years and older a senior higher dose or regular flu shot.

“Flu vaccination is very important this year to help reduce respiratory illnesses and avoid overwhelming the healthcare system. Research is suggesting that the risk of death may double in those 60 years and older if they are infected with both flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County Medical Director. “Wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice physical distancing not only to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but also flu.”

Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and Blue Care Network, and additional insurances. No one will be denied access to services due to lack of insurance; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.

For up-to-date information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, follow the Health Division on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC, 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, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

For MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY: Contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

Home Flu Shot Program.pdf