The Gloucester County Department of Health is offering additional flu clinic dates to residents who have not yet taken advantage of this season’s free flu shot initiative.
Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, “It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Gloucester County’s free flu shot program gives all residents the chance to get vaccinated and protect themselves from the flu.”
Freeholder Jim Jefferson, Liaison to the Department of Health, said that residents should take everyday precautions against the spread of germs including getting a flu shot, washing hands often with soap and water or disinfecting with alcohol based hand sanitizer, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
“By getting the flu shot, residents are not only protecting themselves from the illness, but also those who are at high-risk for flu-related complications such as children, pregnant women, and seniors, and those who cannot get the vaccine themselves, such as babies younger than six months,” said Jefferson.
Some people are at high risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. This includes young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with certain medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes or heart disease. For those at high risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is especially important. It’s also important to get the vaccine if you care for anyone at high risk, including babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the vaccine.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age who are getting vaccinated for the first time may need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected. If a child has not received his/her first dose, get them vaccinated now. For children who are 6 months through 8 years of age and who have been vaccinated with one dose, parents should check with the child’s doctor to see if a second dose is needed.
Free flu shots will be offered on the following days at the Gloucester County Department of Health located at 204 East Holly Avenue in Sewell:
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 13, 3 to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 16, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 3 to 4 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 27, 3 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
For more information, please contact the Health Department at (856) 218-4102.
