Monmouth County Health Department offering H1N1 flu shots Bayshore Courier News Posted:01/05/10
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The Monmouth County Health Department will hold H1N1 vaccine clinics from 4 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 12, 19 and 26 at the Health Department's main office at 3435 Highway 9 North. Residents who reside in towns that are members of the county Health Department may make a clinic appointment by calling 732-431-7456.
Individuals living in towns covered by the county's Health Department are eligible to participate in these clinics. Member towns are: Aberdeen, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Hazlet, Howell, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Millstone, Neptune Twp, Neptune City, Oceanport, Ocean Grove, Roosevelt and Union Beach.
The vaccine at these clincs will be available at no charge in both the injectable and flu mist forms. Thimerisol-free vaccine will be available as well.
Individuals who may not receive the H1N1 or any influenza vaccine are: those with an allergy to eggs and egg proteins, anyone with a previous life threatening reaction to a flu vaccine and individuals with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
Clinic participants will be screened by a registered nurse regarding risk factors and educated about the vaccine. A parent or guardian must sign a vaccine consent form for children under 18 years of age. Additionally, children less than 10 years of age will require two doses of the vaccine, which should be given approximately one month apart.
The county Health Department encourages all residents to get an H1N1 vaccine. If your town does not participate in the county Health Department, contact your local health department or town hall for information about H1N1 clinics available to residents of your community.
"Residents can help reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu by using some good hygiene habits," said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department. "Wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself from germs and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze. If soap and water are not available and you are using a hand sanitizer, be sure it is at least 60 percent alcohol."
"Regardless of the type of illness, the recommendations to reduce the spread of illness remain the same," said Karen DeMarco, Monmouth County's assistant public health coordinator. "Those who are ill should not attend school, work or go into the community for at least seven days, even if the flu symptoms resolve sooner. You should also avoid close contact with people who are sick."
The county's Health Department staff that continues to work with schools, hospitals and other health care providers as they continue their flu surveillance is monitoring the H1N1 influenza situation. Flu symptoms generally include cough, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle pain, chills and fatigue.
Detailed information about the H1N1 flu is available from Visit Monmouth website that will provide you with links to the Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or you can call the county Health Department at 732-431-7456 or the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at 866-321-3751.
