For Immediate Release:
January 13, 2010 Corrected
Influenza Immunization Week is Jan. 11 to 17
County Health Department to hold more H1N1 clinics
FREEHOLD, NJ – As part of National Influenza Immunization Week, the Monmouth County Health Department reminds residents that the fight against the 2009 H1N1 continues.
“Flu activity may have declined in recent weeks, but now that people are getting back to school and work, we can possibly face a new wave of H1N1 influenza,” said Michael Meddis, county public health coordinator. “Residents should get the H1N1 vaccine if they are eligible to receive it.”
Individuals who may not receive the H1N1 or any influenza vaccine are:
- those with an allergy to eggs and egg proteins
- anyone with a previous life threatening reaction to a flu vaccine
- individuals with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
“Since September 2009, the county Health Department has supplied more than 13,000 doses of vaccine in 40 clinics held within member municipalities,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department. “While a great deal of this effort has been accomplished by our dedicated county staff, they have been assisted by a remarkable corps of volunteers – our Medical Reserve Corps. Ninety-four volunteers have given 732 hours of service, so far. And they are ready to help vaccinate additional residents from the H1N1 influenza.”
The Monmouth County Health Department will hold general H1N1 vaccine clinics from 4 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 12, 19 and 26 at the Health Department’s main office at 3435 Highway 9 North. Residents who reside in towns that are members of the county Health Department may make a clinic appointment by calling 732-431-7456.
The Monmouth County Health Department also will be conducting several school-based clinics in the next few weeks. Residents who reside in towns that are members of the county Health Department may attend these clinics, too. Clinics open to the public are:
01/16/10 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Millstone Primary School, 18 Schoolhouse Road, Millstone
01/30/2010 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Howell students only) Howell Memorial Middle School
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (students and public) 485 Adelphia Road, Freehold
The vaccine at all of these clincs will be available at no charge in both the injectable and flu mist forms. Thimerisol-free vaccine will be available as well.
Individuals living in towns covered by the county’s Health Department are eligible to participate in these clinics. Member towns are: Aberdeen, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Hazlet, Howell, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Millstone, Neptune Township, Neptune City, Oceanport, Ocean Grove, Roosevelt and Union Beach.
Clinic participants will be screened by a registered nurse regarding risk factors and educated about the vaccine. A parent or guardian must sign a vaccine consent form for children under 18 years of age. Additionally, children less than 10 years of age will require two doses of the vaccine, which should be given approximately one month apart.
The county Health Department encourages all residents to get an H1N1 vaccine. If your town does not participate in the county Health Department, contact your local health department or town hall for information about H1N1 clinics available to residents of your community.
“Residents can help reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu by using some good hygiene habits,” Mallet said. “Wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself from germs and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze. If soap and water are not available and you are using a hand sanitizer, be sure it is at least 60 percent alcohol.”
“Regardless of the type of illness, the recommendations to reduce the spread of illness remain the same,” Meddis said. “Those who are ill should remain home until at least 24 hours after fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever reducing medications. You should also avoid close contact with people who are sick.”
Flu symptoms generally include cough, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle pain, chills and fatigue.
Detailed information about the H1N1 flu is available from www.visitmonmouth.com that will provide you with links to the Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/) or you can call the county Health Department at 732-431-7456 or the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at 866-321-3751.
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