The Monmouth County Health Department is offering flu shots now through late October.

“Generally speaking, anyone over six months of age can receive the seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine,” said Freeholder Director John P. Curley, liaison to the Health Department. “We strongly urge anyone at risk of flu-related complications to get the seasonal vaccine from the county Health Department or your health care provider.”

At the clinics, Monmouth County residents will pay $25 for the seasonal influenza vaccine. The vaccines are free to seniors with Medicare Part B. Accepted insurance companies are Aetna, Humana, Medicare RR and United Mine Workers of America. The county Health Department does not accept or bill other insurance companies, but the Health Department staff will provide a receipt suitable for submission to a health insurance company.

Clinic participants will be screened by a registered nurse regarding risk factors and educated about the vaccine. A parent or guardian must sign a consent form for children six months to 18 years of age.

Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at increased risk for severe complications from the flu. People in the high-risk groups include:

• all children 6 months of age to 4 years;
• people 50 years and older;
• adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular, kidney, liver, neurological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes);
• people with compromised immune systems;
• women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season;
• children 6 months to 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy;
• residents of long-term care facilities;
• people who are morbidly obese;
• household contacts and caregivers of children less than 5 and of adults age 50 and above.

A yearly influenza vaccination should be considered for people who provide essential community services and people living in dormitories or under other crowded conditions.

Individuals who should not receive the influenza vaccine are:  

• those with an allergy to eggs and egg proteins;
• anyone with a previous life threatening reaction to a flu vaccine, or
• individuals with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome. 

“We are actively encouraging people to get the seasonal influenza vaccine this year because we are anticipating another busy flu season,” said Michael A. Meddis, Monmouth County’s public health coordinator. “We are continuing to work with local health partners to monitor the seasonal influenza and other public health concerns.”

“County residents can help reduce the spread of the seasonal flu by continuing to use some good hygiene habits,” Meddis said. “You need to be sure that you wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself from germs and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available and you are using a hand sanitizer, be sure it is at least 60 percent alcohol.”

For additional information, call the Monmouth County Health Department at 732-431-7456, or log onto www.visitmonmouth.com for the complete schedule.

The Monmouth County Health Department provides public health services for residents of the following towns: Aberdeen, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Englishtown, Eatontown, Farmingdale, Hazlet, Holmdel, Howell, Keyport, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Millstone, Neptune Township, Neptune City, Oceanport, Ocean Grove, Roosevelt, Shrewsbury Township and Union Beach.  

2012 Monmouth County Health Dept. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Schedule

*  Clinics taking place in Howell are open only to Howell residents age 60 and over and are free.