Middlesex County Public Health Department

2010-2011Seasonal Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Program

Middlesex County Public Health Department Director-Health Officer David A. Papi has announced the 2010-2011 Seasonal Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Program.

Twenty Seasonal Influenza clinics have been scheduled beginning Sept. 3 and running through Nov. 19 in the 21 communities served by the County department.

The clinics will be open to Middlesex County residents age 18 years and older. There will be a charge of $10 per vaccination.

Residents who present a valid Red, White and Blue Medicare card will not be charged: Medicare will be billed for those vaccinations. All other residents must pay the $10 fee to receive the influenza vaccination.

Pneumococcal vaccinations will be available by appointment only to residents age 65 and older who have never received this vaccination. Residents who present a valid Red, White and Blue Medicare card will not be charged; Medicare will be billed for those vaccinations. All other residents must pay the $10 fee to receive the pneumococcal vaccination.

Pneumococcal vaccination appointments can be made by calling 732-745-3100 between 2 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The $10 fee will be accepted in cash only. Exact change is strongly advised. No bill larger than $20 will be accepted.

Clients who do not have a valid Medicare card must pay the $10 fee.

Receipts will be provided at the time of service.

“The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can also help protect against the flu,” Papi said.

You can help reduce the spread of flu to yourself and others if you:

·         Stay home when you are sick.

·         Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·         Clean your hands often.  (Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers in your purse, car and backpack, when soap and water is not available)

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible.

·         Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw away your used tissue.

·         Get regular exercise, enough rest and eat healthy, balanced meals.

Please call the Middlesex County Public Health Department Hotline at 732-745-4344 or visit the Web site at http://co.middlesex.nj.us/publichealth/flu-clinics.asp for flu vaccine clinic distribution information. 

Information also is available through Info-line of Central New Jersey at http://www.info-line.org/ or 1-888-908-INFO (4636). 

2010 Seasonal Influenza Immunization Clinic Schedule