In an effort to limit the effects of the 2007-08 flu season, the Monmouth County Health Department will be offering flu shots to eligible residents at 18 flu-shot clinics to be held now through late November.
On Nov. 7, there will be three clinics in the area:
Allentown First Aid Squad building, 526 Walker Avenue, from 10-11:30 a.m.
Millstone Community Center, Route 524 & Stage Coach Road, from 1-2 p.m.
Roosevelt Borough Hall, Rochdale Avenue, from 3-4 p.m.
”Generally speaking, anyone over six months of age can receive the inactivated influenza vaccine,” said Michael Meddis, Monmouth County’s public health coordinator. “We strongly urge anyone at risk of flu-related complications to get the vaccine this fall. The dates, times, and locations of the upcoming flu shot sessions are available at www.visitmonmouth.com.”
Individuals living in towns covered by the county’s Health Department are eligible to receive a flu shot at any of the county’s clinics. Towns covered by the Monmouth County Health Department are: Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Howell, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Millstone, Neptune, Neptune City, Oceanport, Ocean Grove, Roosevelt, Union Beach and Wall.
The cost for the vaccine is $20. The flu vaccine is free to seniors with Medicare Part B. The county program does not accept or bill insurance companies. Residents who are bringing children 18 and younger are urged to call the Health Department first to ensure there is enough vaccine at each of the clinic sites.
Those who should receive the vaccination include:
children from 6 months to 5 years of age;
anyone 50 years of age or older;
anyone 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment;
women who will be pregnant during influenza season;
anyone with long-term health problems, including heart, kidney, lung or a metabolic disease (such as diabetes), asthma, anemia, and other blood disorders;
anyone with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids, cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs;
anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or severe cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems, and
residents of nursing homes and chronic-care facilities.
Influenza vaccine is also recommended for anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for flu-related complications. This includes health care providers, household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age, and household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older or with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.
A yearly influenza vaccination should be considered for people who provide essential community services and people living in dormitories or under other crowded conditions.
For additional information, call the Monmouth County Health Department at (732) 431-7456, or log onto www.visitmonmouth.com/health for the complete schedule.

