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Megan Kirk

313-539-9200

Mkirk@waynecounty.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2023

Wayne County Encourages Residents to Get Vaccinated for Fall!

New COVID-19 Vaccine Available Starting Next Week

DETROIT, MI, - September 15, 2023 - Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans is encouraging residents to stay vigilant and stay up to date with the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 booster shots are expected to be available to the public nationwide next week. On Monday, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the updated vaccines for everyone 6 months and older.

"The COVID-19 pandemic hit our county harder than most. But because folks decided to get vaccinated, we were able to reduce our COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths to below the state average. I'm proud of that. But COVID never left, and cases are climbing again. The good news is that we have a new vaccine, updated for the new variants. Getting vaccinated is critical to keeping kids safe in school, seniors safe in their homes, and all of us safe in Wayne County. I'll be taking mine as soon as I can. I hope you will, too," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.

Vaccines continue to be the most effective tool to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Immunity wanes with time as new variants continue to emerge. The updated vaccines boost protection heading into the fall and winter seasons when COVID-19 is most likely to spread.

"This updated vaccine does two things. First, like all vaccines, it's a 'Be on the Lookout' call for our immune systems. It'll remind them what they should be looking for. Second, it updates our immunity for the new variants that are causing spikes in cases. Protect yourself, protect your family, and protect your community. Get vaccinated," said Abdul El-Sayed, Director and Health Officer, Department of Health, Human and Veteran Services.

For the 2023-2024 season the CDC recommends:

• Everyone 6 months and older, regardless of previous vaccination, should receive 1 dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose.

• Some children 6 months through 4 years and immunocompromised people may need additional doses if they have not been previously vaccinated.

Most people with health insurance will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost at a local pharmacy or healthcare provider. Individuals without insurance or who may have any cost related to vaccines will be able to receive no cost COVID-19 vaccines at the Wayne County Public Health Division.

In addition to the new COVID-19 vaccines, residents should also be vaccinated against other seasonal respiratory illnesses, including influenza and RSV. For the first time, vaccines for all three major respiratory viruses - COVID-19, flu, and RSV - will be available this fall. Everyone 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine. Infants and residents 60 years and older are eligible for the RSV vaccine.

For more information about COVID-19, call 1-866-610-3885 or access the following links:

· https://www.waynecounty.com/covid19/

· Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC

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