FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2009
Monmouth County freeholders get their flu shots
They urge residents to also receive vaccinations
FREEHOLD – In an effort to publicize the importance of getting a flu shot this year, all five members of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders received their seasonal flu shots prior to today’s freeholder workshop meeting.
“The freeholders rolled up their sleeves to get seasonal flu shots as another way to remind residents that they too should get their seasonal flu shot,” said Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow. “The 2009-2010 flu season is expected to be tougher than normal, and we want residents to be proactive in getting through the flu season and staying healthy.”
“Generally speaking, anyone over six months of age can receive the seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said, who had the idea for the freeholders to receive the seasonal flu vaccine prior to their workshop meeting. “This mini-flu clinic included filling out the health information form, paying $20 for the vaccine, answering some basic health questions and getting the shot from one of the county’s public health nurses, Jeryl Krautle.”
“Jeryl made this a painless experience,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the county Health Department. “She is part of the team that is conducting the county’s seasonal flu shot clinics for eligible residents. We strongly urge anyone at risk of flu-related complications to get the seasonal vaccine now. If you missed the county’s clinics, see your primary health provider for the seasonal flu shot or for information about where to get the shot. ”
Individuals living in towns covered by the county’s Health Department can get a flu shot at the county’s clinics. They are: Aberdeen, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Hazlet, Howell, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Millstone, Neptune, Neptune City, Oceanport, Ocean Grove, Roosevelt, Union Beach and Wall.
“While we await the arrival of the H1N1 influenza vaccine, we are taking steps to avoid the seasonal flu,” Freeholder Deputy Director John D’Amico said. “This is a global health issue and we can all do our part to help stop the spread of the flu. One way is by getting this seasonal vaccine.”
“County residents can help reduce the spread of the seasonal flu by continuing to use some good hygiene habits,” Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. “We all need to heed the advice of covering our coughs and sneezes, washing our hands and staying home if we are sick.”
Dates, times and locations of the county’s upcoming flu-shot sessions are posted on the Health Dept. section of the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
Those who should receive the vaccination include:
- children from 6 months of age up to their 19th birthday;
- anyone 50 years of age or older;
- pregnant women;
- people of any age with chronic medical conditions, including heart, kidney, lung or a metabolic disease (such as diabetes), asthma, anemia, weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids, cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs and certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or severe cerebral palsy),
- people who care for or live with people at high risk for influenza-related complications (see above) including health care providers and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age, and
residents of nursing homes and long term care facilities.
Influenza vaccine is also recommended for anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for flu-related complications, including health care providers, household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age, and household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older or with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.
A yearly influenza vaccination should be considered for people who provide essential community services and people living in dormitories or under other crowded conditions.
Cost for the vaccine is $20. The seasonal flu vaccine is free to seniors with Medicare Part B. The county program does not accept or bill insurance companies, but will provide a receipt suitable for submission to a health insurance company.
“We are actively encouraging people to get the seasonal influenza vaccine this year because we are anticipating a busy flu season that may be complicated by a resurgence of the H1N1 influenza,” said Michael A. Meddis, Monmouth County’s public health coordinator. “We are continuing to work with local health partners to monitor the seasonal influenza and the H1N1 influenza situation.”
For additional information, call the Monmouth County Health Department at (732) 431-7456, or log onto www.visitmonmouth.com/health for the complete schedule.
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