South Jersey counties extend flu-shot clinics

Now, all you have to do is roll up your sleeve.

Flu immunization vaccinations are being offered free at many locations across South Jersey, including health clinics, schools and community centers, officials said this week.

In Gloucester County, the Board of Freeholders extended its program of shots for county residents at clinics through March.

"It is not too late to get a flu shot," said Freeholder Director Robert Damminger in announcing the extended clinics. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every person over the age of 6 months receive a flu shot as the first and best way to protect against influenza.

"We want to make sure that everyone who needs a shot gets a flu shot," he said.

For a list of the times and locations of the clinics, see the Gloucester County website: http://www.co.gloucester.nj.us/

In Burlington County, the Board of Freeholders, Health Department, and other partners such as Burlington County College are teaming up to bring "immunity to the community."

The week of Dec. 5 to 9 has been declared Burlington County Influenza Vaccination Week. The designation "provides an important opportunity for us to tell the community how important it is to get an annual flu shot," said Freeholder Mary Ann O'Brien.

"Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against flu, but their loved ones as well," she said.

Throughout the week, the Health Department will offer vaccinations to all county residents over the age of 6 months at Burlington Center from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 609-265-5548.

The agency also will be offering FluZone High Dose vaccines, designed for those older than 65, officials said.

A clinic for children who need a second dose will be held at 9 a.m. Dec. 15 in the Virtua Community Health Center, 1638 Route 38, Lumberton.

Flu vaccines are available through doctors and local pharmacies, officials said. Many employers, schools, and colleges and universities also offer the shots.

"We encourage all Burlington County residents to take advantage of these free flu vaccinations and help stop the spread of the flu," O'Brien said.

In Camden County, the immunization schedule ended Nov. 4, but will be extended from December through February.

"The flu season runs through April and we want to keep as many people healthy as possible," said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, the seven-member governing body's liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services.

The flu shots will be provided from 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays at the Bellmawr Regional Health Center, 21 E. Browning Rd., and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at the East Camden Regional Health Center, 2631 Federal St. in Camden.

The vaccinations will be given at both locations by appointment only through February. Call the Bellmawr Regional Health Center at 856-931-2700 or the East Camden Regional Health Center at 856-756-2264.

"We strongly recommend that residents in the 'high priority' groups - people age 65 or older, the chronically ill, and pregnant women - get their shots," Rodriguez said.

Though the shots are free, residents with health insurance or Medicare should bring their ID cards.

Children from ages 9 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those under 9 are not eligible and should visit a pediatrician.