Health Department Media Room

Media inquiries about health department items should be directed to Shannon Felgner. (616) 494-5597.  You can also follow us on Twitter @miOCHD and our Facebook Page.
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Current Press Releases & Media Advisories

December 6, 2011

Media Contacts:
Shannon Felgner, Ottawa County Health Department  , 616-494-5597
Sue Schryber, Ottawa County Health Department, 616-393-5736

Mid-Season Flu Vaccinations:  West Michigan Ranks High (Ottawa County, MI) – Mid-season estimates of flu vaccination coverage were released Friday by the Michigan Department of Community Health indicating that Ottawa County residents are doing well getting vaccinated this year. According to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, vaccine coverage rates are as follows in Ottawa County:

Age Group Coverage Rank Coverage-Statewide Average
Children 6 months - 4 years  46.3% 1 of 45 30.3%
Children 5-12 years 29.2% 5 of 45 19.7%
Children 13-18 years 14.5% 7 of 45 10.2%
Children 6 months – 18 years 28.0% 5 of 45 n/a
Adults 65+ 41.4% 1 of 45 17.8%
Residents All Ages 19.3% 1 of 45 11.0%








Statewide, the flu vaccine coverage is down slightly (-8.5%) compared to this time last year with 1,109,213 doses administered.  The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness, and there is still plenty of time to receive the vaccine.  Residents should ask their primary health care provider for the vaccine, or seek it at a pharmacy or walk-in clinic. Hand washing, staying home while sick and careful cough etiquette are also helpful in preventing the spread of influenza. For more information visit MiOttawa.org/flu.
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Public Service Awareness Campaigns

Reaching every resident in Ottawa County is a big job. Motivating them to take positive action to solve our county's problems is even bigger. But with the help of our media and partner organizations, we have been able to make progress. In the process we have strengthened communities, improved our children's future, preserved our environment and protected public health. Overall, we have made Ottawa County one of Michigan’s healthiest regions! In addition to providing health services, the Health Department, along with its many community collaborative groups, conducts periodic public service advertising campaigns. If you are interested in donating advertising, creative or printing services, please contact us at sfelgner@miottawa.org or call (616) 494-5597. National social marketing materials are also available at the Ad Council’s PSA Central.

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All requests made under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act will be processed in accordance with the requirements of the act. Requests for public information should be made to the department which is responsible for the custody of the records.

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