By: Follow South Jersey Staff
SOUTH JERSEY — The New Jersey Health Department (NJDOH), in support of National Influenza Vaccination Week, which runs December 4-8, wants to remind residents to stay up to date by getting their annual flu vaccine as well as the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine and RSV shot if eligible.
The flu vaccine is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) annually for everyone ages six months and older.
“Flu shots are safe, effective, and the best way to avoid becoming sick, especially if you are pregnant, an older adult, or have underlying health conditions,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston said in a press release from the NJDOH. “Getting your yearly flu shot, along with the latest COVID-19 vaccine, will help keep you healthy during the holidays and throughout the winter season.”
According to the NJDOH, “during the 2022-2023 flu season, only 49.7% of adults (ages 18 years and older) and 69.5% of children (ages six months through 17 years old) in New Jersey received a flu vaccine.”
Most recent data from the NJDOH shows that New Jersey is in a low level of state flu activity with 3,375 cases reported.
The CDC has recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated with the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines as the most up-to-date protection against the virus and its variants, according to the NJDOH. The COVID-19 vaccine will remain free for most people through the Vaccines for Children Program, most commercial/private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid programs, and the 317/Bridge Access Program.
For more information about National Influenza Vaccination Week, visit cdc.gov/flu/nivw/index.htm.
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