Influenza
(flu) severity varies from year to year, but flu always brings serious
consequences. The prevention of
influenza is important every year, but the COVID-19 pandemic means preventing
influenza during 2020–21 is more important than ever. Although the
effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary, overall, the vaccine significantly
lowers the risk of influenza-related illness, hospitalization, and death.
Influenza
and COVID-19 share many symptoms. Both COVID-19 and flu can spread from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Both are spread mainly by droplets made when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze, or talk. Both are respiratory illnesses that are contagious, but because they are caused by different viruses, it is possible to have both at the same time. The biggest difference, however, is that unlike COVID-19, there IS a vaccine to help protect yourself and loved ones from flu.
Habits
that help reduce the spread of flu include:
- Get a seasonal Flu shot every year.
- Wear a
mask in public or when within 6 feet of other individuals.
- 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.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services
will be offering FREE flu shots to Middlesex County residents 6 months of age
and over that meet a set of criteria.
If
resident is medically approved to receive the flu vaccine offered (Afluria
Quadrivalent), they can make an appointment through the online system and
attend one of the clinis being offered. The next available date(s) is/are listed below:
|
Middlesex County Health Services'
FREE Flu Clinic Location
|
Flu Clinic Date
|
|
New Brunswick
(Walk-Up Clinic)
The Heldrich Hotel
10 Livingston Ave
New Brunswick
|
Friday, November 13th
|
Carteret
(Drive-Through Clinic)
Carteret Fire Department
240 Roosevelt Avenue
Carteret
for more information:
click here
or call 732-541-3890
|
Monday, November 16th |
Piscataway
(Drive-Through Clinic)
1 Ericsson Drive
Piscataway
|
Wednesday, November 18th
|
New Brunswick
(Walk-Up Clinic)
The Heldrich Hotel
10 Livingston Ave
New Brunswick
|
Monday, November 23rd |
To
receive your free flu shot:
- Complete
the form located at http://middlesexcountynj.gov/dispenseassist
- Print
the completed Dispense Assist voucher
- Make
an appointment
- Come
to Piscataway at designated time with a photo ID and your dispense
assist voucher printout
Residents wishing to determine eligibility and make an appointment should visit http://middlesexcountynj.gov/dispenseassist to register and receive a time to report to the clinic site.
If the resident wishing to get a vaccine does not have access to the internet or has connectivity problems, they are instructed to call 732-745-3100 to make an appointment. Appointments can be made for a clinic day indicated on the table above, and continue until appointment slots fill up, or until the evening prior to the clinic date. PLEASE NOTE: The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Due to the designated number of vaccines available, reservations are not rebooked for cancellations or no shows. Do not reserve an appointment unless you are planning to attend the flu clinic.
CRITERIA FOR GETTING A FLU SHOT
To receive a free flu shot, you must:
- Be a Middlesex County resident (proof of residency is required - including, but not limited to: a valid driver’s license; state issued identification; or two pieces of mail including utility bills, bank statements, or similar documentation with name and address)
- Be eligible to receive the flu vaccine offered (Afluria Quadrivalent) as determined by a provided medical questionnaire
- Make an appointment online or via phone
- Have a printed dispense assist voucher for each individual registered.
- It is advised that you wear clothing that can be removed or adjusted to provide access to one's upper arm/shoulder area.
Middlesex County residents should visit http://middlesexcountynj.gov/dispenseassist to register and receive a time to report to the clinic site. Registrants must bring their dispense assist voucher and proof of residency including, but not limited to: a valid driver’s license; state issued identification; or two pieces of mail including utility bills, bank statements, or similar documentation with name and address, to the testing site.
If the person is not a Middlesex County resident, does not have a scheduled appointment, and/or does not have their dispense assist voucher printed out, they will not receive the flu shot. For the drive through clinics, there is maximum limit of four (4) individuals per vehicle. For the walk-up clinics, please note that parking is limited and residents will be waiting/standing outdoors. Please planand dress accordingly.
For
additional information please call the Middlesex County Office of Health
Services at 732-745-3100.