ASBURY PARK – The Monmouth County Health Department is partnering with Jersey Shore University Medical Center to conduct an H1N1 vaccination clinic and lead screening at the Holy Spirit Church, 705 Second Ave. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 31. 

 

The vaccine at this clinic will be available at no charge in both the injectable and flu mist forms. Thimerisol-free vaccine will be available as well.

 

Individuals who may not receive the H1N1 or any influenza vaccine are: 

Clinic participants will be screened by a registered nurse regarding risk factors and educated about the vaccine. Translators will be available. 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.
 
County Health Department nurses will also be available to screen children for lead poisoning.

“Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the body, but because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms it frequently goes unrecognized,” said Michael A. Meddis, Monmouth County’s Public Health Coordinator. “Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems and, at very high levels, seizures, coma and even death.”

 

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell. Children may be exposed to it from consumer products through normal hand-to-mouth activity, which is part of their normal development. They often place toys and fingers in their mouth, exposing themselves to lead paint or dust.

 

“Residents can help reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu by using some good hygiene habits,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department. “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.”

 

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.

 

For more information about lead screening, please contact the Monmouth County Health Department at 732-431-7456.

 

“Regardless of the type of illness, the recommendations to reduce the spread of illness remain the same,” said Karen DeMarco, Monmouth County’s assistant public health coordinator.  “Those who are ill should not attend school, work or go into the community for at least seven days, even if the flu symptoms resolve sooner. You should also avoid close contact with people who are sick.”

 

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. Towns covered by the county’s Health Department are: Aberdeen, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Hazlet, Howell, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Millstone, Neptune Twp, Neptune City, Oceanport, Ocean Grove, Roosevelt and Union Beach.

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