Longport Mayor Nicholas Russo gets a flu shot.
The Atlantic County Division of Public Health is providing 13 public flu shot clinics for those 18 years and older Oct. 2 through Nov. 6 at locations throughout Atlantic County.
A clinic will be held 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 23 at St. James Church Memorial Hall, 9 S. Newport Ave., Ventnor.
There is a $15 fee for flu shots, however, there is no out-of-pocket cost for residents with Medicare Part B coverage who present their card at the time of vaccination.
“We have been providing these clinics for many years as one of several services to help protect the health and wellness of our residents,” Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said. “The flu can be deadly which is why we urge the public to get their flu shots whether from us, their own healthcare providers, or community pharmacies. The most important thing is to get a flu shot.”
Flu season can be as unpredictable as the virus, but the highest number of cases are typically reported between October and April. The flu vaccine is produced to protect against influenza virus strains that research indicates may be most prevalent during the flu season. The vaccine does not contain live flu virus so flu shots cannot cause the flu.
According to a new study conducted over multiple flu seasons and supported by the Centers for Disease Control, getting a flu shot lessened the risk of severe influenza among adults, including reducing the risk of hospitalization and ICU admissions, as well as the severity of the illness.
“Although it cannot prevent all cases of the flu, a flu shot can reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus in combination with practicing precautions such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, and cleaning commonly or frequently touched items,” Atlantic County Health Officer Patricia Diamond said. .“Because it may take up to two weeks for the antibodies to develop in your body, the sooner you get a shot the better.”
Flu symptoms may include fever, headaches, extreme fatigue, chest discomfort, cough, muscle aches and pains. Complications from the virus may include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
The effects of influenza are especially concerning to adults over age 65, those with chronic medical conditions, women who will be pregnant during flu season, healthcare providers and home caregivers who provide direct patient care. These individuals are strongly urged to receive a flu shot. Parents and guardians of children 6 months to 18 years of age should consult their child’s physician.
If you contract the flu drink plenty of liquids, get plenty of rest and contact your healthcare provider.
In addition to the public flu clinics, flu shots will also be administered to walk-ins beginning Monday, Sept. 30 in two locations while supplies last: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday at the Stillwater Building, 201 S. Shore Road in Northfield; and 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at 310 Bellevue Ave. in Hammonton.
Free blood pressure screenings will also be available at all public and walk-in flu clinics.
As an added convenience, residents may schedule a flu shot appointment online for any of the public clinics at www.aclink.org/flu. However, appointments are not required; walk-ins will continue to be welcome at all locations.
For a complete schedule of public flu clinics visit www.aclink.org/flu where you may also learn more about seasonal flu. For additional information call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5933.
