County Executive Dennis Levinson has announced 10 public clinics where residents 18 years and older can receive free flu vaccinations to help protect themselves and others from contracting and spreading the seasonal influenza virus.
The clinics, provided by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health, will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays at various locations throughout the county beginning October 3 through October 31. 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,” stated Levinson. “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.”
In the U.S., flu viruses typically circulate between October and May. Because it may take up to two weeks for the flu antibodies to develop in your body, the sooner you get a flu shot the better.
Flu symptoms tend to appear within one to four days after infection and may include fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, body aches, fatigue, nausea and diarrhea. 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.
Friday, Oct. 13
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Atlantic Cape Community College
5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing
Tuesday, Oct. 17
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Atlantic County Library
451 South Egg Harbor Rd., Hammonton
Friday, Oct. 20
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Buena Community Senior Center
600 Central Ave., Buena
Tuesday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. – 12 noon
St. James Church Memorial Hall, Ventnor
Friday, Oct. 27
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Brigantine Presbyterian Church
1501 West Brigantine Ave., Brigantine
Tuesday, Oct. 31
10 a.m. – 12 noon
St. Elizabeth Seton Church
591 New Jersey Ave., Absecon
Tuesday, Oct. 31
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Beacon Church
420 South 6th St., Galloway
