We have just completed another successful flu immunization program. There are so many people to thank: the dedicated staff from our community health services unit and the health department staff that help out with this program, all the community volunteers that assist us every year, our public health coordinator Joe Przywara, our board of health members and our freeholder liaison, Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, for the never-ending support of this program.
Recently, the Ocean County Health Department held its final flu shot clinic of the 2005-06 season. Since Oct. 31, 2005, 28,996 residents were immunized against influenza and 1,426 residents were immunized against pneumoccocal pneumonia. In addition, 1,180 doses of influenza vaccine were distributed to county physicians that were unable to obtain it from their normal distributors.
The Ocean County Health Department has immunized residents against the flu for more than 25 years. Each year, our staff looks at the demographics of Ocean County and proceeds to set up clinics to meet the needs of our community. We look at areas of at-risk people, such as those over the age of 65, and try to establish as many clinics in our senior areas as possible.
As the recommendations broaden for what groups of people should get a flu shot, we are also broadening the availability of our clinics by offering more evening times. I believe this is a need that we will continue to address.
This year the Ocean County Health Department conducted clinics at 67 sites. We even continued offering flu clinics into February for those who could not get their shot at an earlier time. During our flu clinic season, staff from every unit works together to bring this important service to our county residents. We have the opportunity to meet thousands of our residents and in return, these people have the opportunity to meet so many of our staff. We receive letters all year from residents praising our staff on their professional abilities and their kindness during the flu programs.
After our flu shot season is completed we look to see what worked best in all aspects of the program. Our flu clinics give our county the opportunity to work together to keep our residents healthy. It is truly a team effort. We have seen very little flu activity within Ocean County this year. We certainly like to think it is because so many of our residents took advantage of our flu shot programs and the other flu shot programs in the area.
We are already looking at our figures from this year as we prepare to order vaccine for the 2006-07 season. Our flu shot program parallels our mission in that we partner with our community to promote healthy lifestyles and provide quality health care. Again, I thank everyone involved for making this year’s flu program a great success.
Ella Boyd
coordinator
Community Health Services
Toms River