By: Follow South Jersey Staff
NORTHFIELD, N.J. — Atlantic County Division of Public Health will host 10 public clinics where residents 18 years and older will be able to receive free flu vaccinations to help protect themselves and their community from contracting and spreading the influenza virus.
The clinics will be held at various locations throughout the county beginning September 25 and running through October 25. No appointment is needed.
“The type and severity of flu viruses may vary from year to year, but a flu shot still offers the best protection against infection,” County Executive Dennis Levinson said in a press release from the county. “The vaccine does not guarantee you will not get sick, but it does help lessen the severity and duration of the illness and may reduce the likelihood of hospitalization or death.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “flu activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.”
The county suggests getting the flu shot sooner than later because it may take up to two weeks for the flu antibodies to develop in the body, according to the press release.
Flu symptoms can be mild to sever and, according to the CDC, usually appear suddenly. Symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness), and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Adults age 65 and older and children under age 5 are at greater risk for developing serious flu complications as well as individuals with chronic health conditions, such as kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
Residents can help reduce the spread of germs by washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if sick, routinely cleaning common touch items and surfaces, and limiting contact with those infected.
The free clinics will take place at the following locations and times:
- Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Linwood 09/25/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Quaremba Hall, St. Michael’s Church, Atlantic City 09/26/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Presbyterian Church, Brigantine 09/30/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Egg Harbor Twp. 10/01/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Atlantic County Library, Hammonton 10/15/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- St. James Church Memorial Hall, Ventnor 10/16/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Atlantic Cape Community College, Mays Landing 10/18/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Absecon 10/21/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Beacon Church, Galloway 10/22/2024 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Buena Community Senior Center, Buena 10/25/2024 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Adult flu vaccination walk-in clinics will resume October 29, every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 201 S. Shore Road, Northfield, and, beginning November 19, every third Tuesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 310 Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton.
Pediatric flu vaccinations are available in Northfield and Hammonton by appointment only. To make an appointment, residents may call (609) 645-5933.
The clinics will offer adult flu shots only. Residents interested in the updated COVID-19 vaccine may visit vaccines.gov to find local pharmacies where the vaccine is being offered. The COVID-19 vaccine may also be available from many primary care providers.
“Help protect yourself and others by getting a flu shot,” Levinson said. “It’s quick, easy, and free!”
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