Contact Person:                                                             
Florence Rice, Nursing Director                                   
Madison Health Department
(973) 593-3079 Ext #6

 

 

            Influenza (FLU) Immunizations, strongly recommended for seniors (65 years and older) and adults with chronic illnesses, will be administered to Chatham Township residents aged 60 and older on Monday, November 10, 2008 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building Gym, 58 Meyersville Road, Chatham Township.   Residents under 60 may be immunized only if they have a note from their doctor verifying their chronic illness; seniors do not need a physician’s note.  No appointments are necessary and the immunizations are offered free of charge.   Residents with Medicare as their primary insurance are asked to bring their card with them, as well as a form of identification. If possible, please remember to wear short sleeves.  

  This year’s vaccine targets A/Brisbane, A/Uruguay and B/Florida flu strains.  The vaccines should not be administered to anyone who is hypersensitive to eggs or to anyone who has an acute respiratory or other infection. 

            The CDC recommends flu vaccination annually for those 50 years of age or older, all children and adolescents 6 months to 18 years of age, residents of long-term care facilities, people who have long-term health problems such as heart, lung, kidney disease or asthma, people with conditions that can cause breathing problems, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and health care personnel. Additionally, household contacts and out-of-home caretakers of infants 0-23 months and those in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza should contact their health care provider and be vaccinated to decrease their risk of contracting flu and also spreading it to people at higher risk. The CDC cautions that anyone can get influenza.  Most people are ill with flu for only a few days, but some get much sicker and may need to be hospitalized.  Influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths each year in the U.S., mostly among the elderly.

            The best time to get a flu shot is October or November, but vaccinations may be given any time during the flu season.  Protection develops about two weeks after getting the shot and may last up to one year.  Some people may still get the flu after being vaccinated, but they will usually get a milder case that those who did not get the shot.   Any questions can be directed to the Madison Health Department at 973-593-3079 ext. 1.
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