Thousands of senior citizens from across Camden County will attend the 19th annual Camden County Senior Health Fair at Cooper River Park to receive their flu shots.
“In order to keep your family healthy this flu season, we encourage you to take advantage of this beneficial service provided by the board,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the health department. “We are hosting immunization sites at convenient locations across Camden County, including the annual Senior Health Fair at Cooper River Park.”
In addition to seasonal flu shots, the Senior Health Fair will feature dozens of health information tables, games and prizes and lunch for all senior citizens who attend the event sponsored by the Freeholder Board.
Freeholder Rodriguez explained that the launch of the flu shot program is traditionally coordinated with the senior health fair because men and women age 65 and older are among the “high priority” groups for annual shots. The flu shots are provided for no-out-of-pocket cost, but Rodriguez reminded seniors receiving Medicare to bring their Medicare ID cards with them.
Pregnant women and chronically ill people are other high priority groups. Flu shots are also recommended for people with weakened immune or cardiovascular systems, or with chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction or blood disorders. Youngsters aged 9 and older must be accompanied by an adult; those under the age of nine are not included in the program.
