Just Show Up for Flu Shots

The Bernards Township Health Department has scheduled four dates for seasonal flu shot clinics in October, including Wednesday.

All clinics will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and are open to those 4 years old and over.

Flu shot clinics will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at St. James Church, 184 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge; Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Chester Field House, 107 Seminary Ave. in Chester; Friday, Oct. 19 at the Peapack-Gladstone Municipal Building, 1 School St. in Peapack-Gladstone; and Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Bernards Township Community Center, 289 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.

Seasonal influenza is a contagious, respiratory illness caused by a virus which is preventable by a vaccine. 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. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone six months and older receives a flu shot.

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

New Jersey law requires that children up to 59 months of age attending any licensed child-care center or pre-school facility, must receive at least one dose of influenza vaccine between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 of each year. To assist parents in obtaining this vaccination for their pre-school child, the Bernards Township Health Department has scheduled our Seasonal Flu Shot clinics to include children who are age 4 and older in addition to administering flu shots to adults.

The Bernards Township Health Department is the contractual health agency serving Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Chester Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, and Peapack and Gladstone Borough. More information is online.