Princeton seniors offered flu shots

Program to be held Nov. 1 and 8

   The Princeton Regional Health Department, Princeton Senior Resource Center and Princeton HealthCare System will host the Senior Flu Shot Clinic and Health Fairs at the Suzanne Patterson Center 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 1 and 8.
   Persons with last names beginning from A through L may attend Nov. 1 and persons with last names beginning from M through Z on Nov. 8 at the Suzanne Patterson Center, located behind Princeton Borough Hall on Stockton Street.
   During those dates, Princeton Healthcare System will conduct a health fair with numerous health screenings and information stations including blood pressure, glucose, medications, nutrition, podiatry, balance, home care and hospice.
   The following are eligible for the clinic:
   • Persons over age 65 and residents of Princeton Borough or Princeton Township are eligible for a flu vaccination. Bring proof of residence. The vaccine is free to those who present a Medicare card with Medicare Part B, or $10 to seniors without the card.
   • Persons under age 65 who have a health condition that puts them at risk for complications from the flu are eligible for a flu vaccination but must provide a written doctor’s order prescribing the influenza vaccination for the 2006 flu season. They will also be required to pay a $10 fee due to vaccine price increases. High risk categories include adults and children with long-term heart and lung ailments, people who are being treated for kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, or severe asthma, and those who have a type of cancer or immunological disorder that lowers the body’s normal resistance to infections.
   Contraindications to getting a flu shot include allergic reactions to eggs or chicken, or a previous life-threatening reaction to a flu shot. In addition, those with any bleeding disorders or who have a fever, respiratory ailment, or have any other debilitating illness at the time of the flu clinic should postpone getting a flu shot. Those in doubt about whether or not they should get a flu shot should contact their personal physician. Most people who get an annual flu shot experience only some soreness or tenderness at the site of the injection.
   Pneumonia immunizations will also be available for $10 on both dates, but persons must pre-register by calling the Princeton Senior Resource Center at 924-7108. It is a once in a lifetime vaccination and is available for all adults 65 years of age or older. Those who have been previously given a "pneumovax" shot should discuss with their physician when a booster should be given.
   To keep lines moving, those attending are urged to wear short-sleeved apparel or something long-sleeved but loose and easy to push all the way up and out of the way.