Politics & Government

Reminder: Final Bernards Health Department Flu Clinics

This Friday and Saturday are the last two chances to obtain seasonal flu shots for residents age four and older through the township health department.

The Bernards Health Township Department has scheduled two more clinics to distribute seasonal flu shots, including protection against the H1N1 virus, this Friday and Saturday.

All clinics are open to those age four and older. Flu shots will be distributed from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Peapack-Gladstone Municipal Building, 1 School St. in Peapack; and on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Bernards Township Community Center, 289 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.

The cost of the flu shot is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents. Shots also are available for no charge for those with a valid Medicare Part B card.

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The regional health department serves residents of Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Long Hill Township, Peapack and Gladstone Borough, Chester Borough and Mendham Borough and Township.

Participants should consult with their doctor before receiving the flu vaccine. Clinical services are provided by the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills. For additional information, call 908-204-2520.

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At this point, these are the final two opportunities to obtain a flu shot through the health department. Two other clinics were held earlier in October.

Seasonal influenza is a contagious, respiratory illness caused by a virus which is preventable by a vaccine, according to information released by the health department. The vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective against flu and provides protection for about six months.

Protection provided by the vaccine declines over time. Flu season can start as early as October and continue through May although the number of seasonal flu infections peak in January and February.


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