County’s H1N1 vaccine distribution continues
No appointment needed; healthy people 2 through 49 to get flu mist only
WALL, NJ – The Monmouth County Health Department (MCHD) will hold an H1N1 vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Wall High School, 1630 18th Ave. No appointments are necessary.
County residents encouraged to attend this vaccine clinic include:
- pregnant women
- people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- children 6 months through 24 years of age
- persons 25 to 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza
- health care and emergency medical services personnel
- healthy individuals 2 through 49 years of age (flu mist only)
The vaccine at these clinics will be available free. Thimerisol-free vaccine is available. Healthy individuals 2 through 49 years of age will be given flu mist only.
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
- individuals with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
Residents attending the clinic 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 the age of 18. 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 residents to get an H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available. The county has conducted clinics to vaccinate individuals in the highest H1N1 risk groups as defined by the CDC or the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
“The MCHD continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available to people in the highest risk groups that are most susceptible to serious illness or death from the H1N1 influenza,” said Michael Meddis, county public health coordinator. “As additional vaccine is produced and the county receives it, additional clinics will be scheduled.
“The MCHD continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available to people in the highest risk groups that are most susceptible to serious illness or death from the H1N1 influenza,” said Michael Meddis, county public health coordinator. “As additional vaccine is produced and the county receives it, additional clinics will be scheduled.
“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.”
“To avoid getting sick, you need to wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself from germs and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze,” said Meddis. “If soap and water are not available and you are using a hand sanitizer, be sure it is at least 60 percent alcohol.”
Detailed information about the H1N1 flu is available from www.visitmonmouth.com that will provide you with links to the Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/) or you can call the county Health Department at 732-431-7456, or the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at 866-321-9571