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 2021–22 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. Just as with the COVID – 19 vaccine, the flu vaccine offers protection for you and your loved ones. The Middlesex County Office of Health Services offers the COVID-19 vaccines AND the flu vaccine for your protection. ( CLICK HERE for more information about the COVID 19 vaccine and clinic schedule )
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.
Residents wishing to determine eligibility should visit http://middlesexcountynj.gov/dispenseassist.The next available date(s) is/are listed below:
|
Middlesex County Health Services'
FREE Flu Clinic Location
|
Flu Clinic Date
|
Spotswood
Spotswood Municipal Building
77 Summerhill Road
10a-11a
|
Tuesday,
October 19th |
South Amboy
South Amboy Senior Center
108 S. Stevens Ave
10a-11a
|
Tuesday,
October 26th
|
Middlesex Boro
Middlesex Boro Senior Center
1400 Mountain Ave
10a-11a
|
Thursday, October 28th |
Monroe
Monroe Senior Center
12 Halsey Reed Road
10a-12p
|
Thursday, November 4th
|
Piscataway
Piscataway Senior Center
700 Buena Vista Avenue
10a-11a
|
Monday, November 8th |
Dunellen
Dunellen Senior Center
200 Orange Street
10a-11a
|
Friday, December 10th
|
Please note: we do not have the "hi-dose senior vaccine". If you wish to receive this, please call your personal physician or local pharmacy for availability.
To
receive your free flu shot:
- Complete
the form located at http://middlesexcountynj.gov/dispenseassist
- Print
the completed Dispense Assist voucher. Staff will be available to help residents with no access to print the voucher.
- Arrive at your choice of location within the designated time with a photo ID and your dispense
assist voucher printout
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 the Dispense Assist Voucher
- 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.
For
additional information please call the Middlesex County Office of Health
Services at 732-745-3100.