Have You Gotten A Flu Shot Yet? If Not, What Are You Waiting For?
Free flu clinic Feb.11 in Somerville

SOMERVILLE – Don’t let the unusually warm weather fool you. It’s flu season in New Jersey!

The Somerset County Department of Health is offering a free flu-vaccination opportunity to Somerset County adults ages 18 and older who have not yet gotten a flu shot this season. Shots will be given on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the first-floor conference room of the Somerset County Human Services Building, located at 27 Warren St.

Free parking is available in the parking deck at 27 Warren St., on the third and fourth floors only. Additional free parking is available about two blocks away in the Bernie Field Parking Deck on East High Street, adjacent to the county administration building. You can exit the parking deck from the rear and cross Main Street. Metered parking also is available on Main Street.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, there is increasing influenza activity throughout the state, and many people are at risk. As long as flu is circulating and causing illness, getting a flu vaccine is beneficial.

Anyone who is underinsured or uninsured and cannot make an upcoming clinic can contact the Somerset County Department of Health at (908) 231-7155 for a free flu- shot voucher for use at a local Walgreens store. Supplies of vouchers are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis.

“Yearly vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. It is recommended that most people ages 6 months and older get vaccinated annually,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Peter S. Palmer, public health & safety department liaison.

A flu shot is your best defense against influenza and its possible complications. It is safe and can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits and missed work due to the flu. It also can prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. It takes about two weeks for the body to develop an immune response, so the sooner you are vaccinated, the better.

Influenza, commonly called the flu, can be serious. It is a contagious viral infection that mostly affects the respiratory system: nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In some cases, people may experience vomiting and diarrhea.

The spread of influenza can be reduced by proper hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and staying home when sick.

For information on flu clinics, contact the Somerset County Department of Health at (908) 231-7155 or HealthDept@co.somerset.nj.us.

If you are interested in learning about other county programs and services, visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/howdoi.html .

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