Michiganders urged to get flu vaccine

Michiganders urged to get flu vaccine

by | Dec 10, 2020 | Health and Wellness, Regional News

For Immediate Release
MDHHS

It’s not too late: Michiganders urged to get flu vaccine this winter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 8, 2020

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov   

LANSING, Mich. – This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding Michigan residents that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Since COVID-19 and flu are likely to spread simultaneously this winter, all Michiganders aged 6 months and older should get their annual flu vaccine if they have not already.

“As we continue fighting to eradicate COVID-19, it’s crucial that all Michiganders get their flu vaccine to protect themselves and keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “As the weather gets colder and people spend more time inside, I urge everyone to get their flu vaccine, and make sure your kids get one too. I got my flu shot a few months ago – it’s quick, simple and crucial in helping us fight COVID-19. Remember, Michiganders: mask up, practice safe social distancing and wash your hands frequently to protect yourselves, your family and our brave frontline workers from the pandemic.”

“Nearly 3 million Michiganders have received the flu vaccine this season,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “It’s great progress, but there’s still more work to be done. We need to prevent a surge of flu cases while we are in the middle of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. National Influenza Vaccination Week serves as reminder to those who have not received the flu vaccine that there’s still time to protect themselves and their family against flu and serious flu complications, like pneumonia.”

The state is more than 66 percent towards its goal of 4.2 million flu vaccinations this season. Although the nation recorded 39 to 56 million estimated cases of the flu, 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million hospitalizations during the 2019-2020 flu season, according to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry only 31.6 percent (about 3.2 million) of Michigan residents reported receiving a flu vaccine last season. Michigan ranks 38th in the nation for flu vaccination coverage and falls below the national average of 51.8 percent.

Despite its comparison to the common cold, the flu is a very serious and potentially deadly disease, especially for children, older people and those with chronic health conditions. Last season, 195 children died from the flu in the United States, including six children in Michigan.

The Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) also reminds Michiganders that flu shots are an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and are covered with no out-of-pocket costs by most health plans in Michigan. Consumers with questions about their coverage should contact their insurance company, and if they cannot get the information they need or have additional questions, contact DIFS for assistance 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.

“Getting the annual flu shot is an important step to protect your health and the health of those around you, especially this year when flu symptoms may be confused with COVID-19, and DIFS is committed to ensuring that cost and coverage are not barriers that keep Michiganders from getting vaccinated,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Expanding access to health insurance and health care is critical to the health of our state, and our consumer service representatives are available to answer insurance coverage questions and concerns.”

While flu activity indicators have been low so far this flu season, some flu activity has been reported throughout the state. It’s essential that we continue to take all precautionary measures such as social distancing, wearing a mask, washing our hands thoroughly and especially getting a flu vaccine to protect ourselves and our healthcare resources as COVID-19 continues to spread. It takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to prevent the flu. Michiganders should get their flu vaccine now to protect themselves before activity increases in Michigan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged 6 months and older. There are many flu vaccine options available this season, and residents should speak with a healthcare provider about which is best for them.

There is ample supply of flu vaccines available at many locations throughout Michigan, including doctor’s offices, pharmacies and local health departments. To find a location near you, visit Vaccinefinder.org. For more information about flu activity in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Flu.
Michigan Commission to Educate Michiganders on COVID-19 Vaccine 

Michigan Commission to Educate Michiganders on COVID-19 Vaccine 

by | Dec 10, 2020 | Health and Wellness, Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 10, 2020

Medica Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission to Educate Michiganders on COVID-19 Vaccine

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, Blake Griffin to serve among bipartisan co-chairs

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-193 creating the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help raise awareness of the safety and effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, educate the people of this state, and help protect the health and safety of all Michigan residents.

 

“Right now, we are on the brink of great breakthroughs when it comes to a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, and we must begin to educate Michiganders about how important it is that we all get vaccinated so we can eradicate this virus once and for all. That’s what the Protect Michigan Commission is all about,” said Governor Whitmer. “This bipartisan group of leaders is uniquely equipped to help reinforce the importance of everyone getting vaccinated. Until we eliminate COVID-19 once and for all, we must continue to wear masks, practice safe social distancing, and wash hands frequently. Let’s all continue to do our part.”

 

The Commission will be chaired by: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II; Former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley; Chief Medical Executive and DHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun; Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin; Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, MPH, FAAP, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health; SER Metro CEO Eva Dewaelsche; Soumit Pendharkar, MHA, FACHE, Health Administrator for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Spectrum Health President & CEO Tina Freese-Decker; and Jamie Brown, Registered Nurse and President of the Michigan Nurses Association. The commission will consist of at least 50 members that will represent the great diversity of our state.

 

“This year, we have confronted some of the greatest challenges of our generation, and, in every moment, Michiganders have risen to meet these challenges head-on,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “With a safe and effective vaccine on the horizon, the Protect Michigan Commission is bringing our state together once again to ensure that every Michigander has the information and resources they need to get vaccinated at the appropriate time. Our clearest path to healthy communities, a growing economy, and kids learning in their classrooms is through this vaccine.”

 

“One of the most important things every adult should be doing now is planning for how they will get the vaccine when it becomes available to them. The Protect Michigan Commission will make sure all Michiganders have the information they need to make those plans,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “As we get closer to distributing a safe and effective vaccine, think about how you can play a role in ending this pandemic. Wear your mask now so you can prevent the spread, and avoid indoor gatherings. 2021 will be the year when Michigan beats back this pandemic, we just have to stay the course.”

 

The Protect Michigan Commission will serve in an advisory capacity to Governor Whitmer and DHHS, and will, among other things, provide public leadership to elevate and reinforce the importance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, identify barriers that may impede the acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine by Michigan residents, including identifying areas or groups within this state that are likely to experience vaccine hesitancy, and develop an outreach action plan designed to overcome these barriers. The Commission must complete its work and submit a brief final report to the governor by December 31, 2021.

 

“If we’re going to ensure that everyone in our state has the information they need to get a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, we must all work together as Michiganders,” said  former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley. “I am grateful for Governor Whitmer’s leadership on this issue, and proud to serve alongside Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and all of these leaders on a bipartisan commission that truly reflects the great diversity of our state. Let’s get to work.”

 

“I’m honored to have Governor Whitmer call on me to serve on the Protect Michigan Commission and look forward to working with the other co-chairs to raise awareness for how a safe and effective vaccine can help end the coronavirus pandemic,” said Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin. “I encourage everyone in Michigan to develop a plan for themselves and their families to get vaccinated and protect themselves against COVID-19. In the meantime – remember to wear your mask, practice social distancing and we’ll all get through this together.”

 

Currently, Pfizer and Moderna have submitted requests for emergency use authorization of COVID-19 vaccines to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Khaldun and her team at DHHS are developing a plan to distribute the vaccine in Michigan, with a focus on our most vulnerable populations, frontline workers, and educators. The initial groups to be vaccinated will be critical workers in our health care systems, including those working in hospitals, first responders, and more.

 

To apply to serve on the Protect Michigan Commission, visit michigan.gov/appointments and apply by December 28th.

 

To view Executive Order 2020-193, click the link below:

 
Information on Applying for the Pure Michigan Grant

Information on Applying for the Pure Michigan Grant

by | Dec 10, 2020 | Regional News

Information on Applying for the Pure Michigan Grant

The Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative will utilize CARES Act funding to provide $10 million in grants to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
Applications for businesses to apply will open on Dec. 15, 2020 at 9:00 A.M.
The Michigan Municipal League is the grant administrator statewide.  Information on the program can be found here:
Businesses can prepare in advance as the application and questions have now been posted. Please click on the button below to see a copy of the application and learn what materials you will need to apply.
Interested eligible businesses should take the time to review the application and be ready to fill it out on Dec. 15 as the program is on a first-in basis. Make sure to prepare in advance as this grant will go quickly!
Oakland County Launches Employee Equity Council

Oakland County Launches Employee Equity Council

by | Dec 9, 2020 | Regional News

Oakland County Launches Inaugural Employee Equity Council

Pontiac, Michigan – County Executive David Coulter today announced the formation of the inaugural Oakland County Equity Council.

The 31-member council is comprised of employees from nearly every county department or office of an elected county official, including the county executive, sheriff, treasurer and water resource commissioner; Oakland County Circuit Court, Oakland County Probate Court and 52nd District Court; and departments such as economic development, health & human services, information technology and parks and recreation.

“Diversity is one of the strengths of Oakland County,” Coulter said. “We look to the council to create a culture for our employees that respects diversity and creates policies that promote equity and inclusion internally and in the critical services we provide to the public. I applaud and thank the employees selected for the council on their commitment and willingness to help operationalize equity in county government.”

The council is led by Robin Carter-Cooper, the county’s first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.
Coulter and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners collaborated to create the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer position earlier this year. Coulter said more than 30 percent of Oakland County’s population is ethnically diverse. It is important county policies ensure its workforce reflects the county’s diversity and that county government is an active community partner in promoting equity initiatives.

The council will hold monthly meetings. Members are required to complete 20 hours of training each year they serve. Members are encouraged to share the work of the council with their respective county departments. More than 100 employees applied to be considered for the council.

Learn more at www.oakgov.com/equity

‘Empty The Shelters’ Event This Week At Oakland County Animal Shelter

by | Dec 9, 2020 | Recreation

Adopt A Furry Friend At ‘Empty The Shelters’ Event This Week At The Oakland County Animal Shelter And Pet Adoption Center

Reduced Fee Thanks To BISSELL Pet Foundation

Pontiac, Michigan – If you’ve always wanted a dog or a cat but have been putting it off, the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center and BISSELL Pet Foundation (BPF) may help you make your decision a little easier – and at a huge savings.

Beginning today through Friday, pet adoption fees have been slashed from $139.50 to $25 for a dog and $15 from $57.50 for a cat, courtesy of Bissell and its Empty the Shelters promotion. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pet adoption center is open by appointment-only from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily. Prospective pet owners should call 248-858-1070 to schedule an appointment.

“Pets make wonderful companions and there is no better time to bring home a pet,” said Bob Gatt, center manager. “The Bissell Pet Foundation continues to be a generous partner and we are grateful for its support during the pandemic.”

All animals included in the Empty the Shelters promotion are microchipped and spayed or neutered to prevent further pet homelessness. To adopt a pet, bring a driver’s license or state identification, complete an application, and pay the $25 fee.

About 25 dogs and 70 cats are available for adoption. Some of the dogs will be adopted through a rescue organization that will be on site. For more information or to view the pet inventory online, go to OakGov.com/PetAdoption.

This is the seventh Empty the Shelter promotion by Bissell this year. Since inception in 2016, more than 40,500 pets have found new homes. Bissell supports nearly 170 shelters.