Before flu season gets into overdrive, extensive schedules of vaccination clinics are under way in Ocean County, and about to begin in Monmouth.

Robert Giroux, Getty Images News
Robert Giroux, Getty Images News
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The Ocean County Health Department's 55 clinics continue through mid-November. Monmoth County Health Department officials have seven arranged from September 28 until October 18. Monmouth County Regional Health Commission (MCHRC)'s clinics continue through October 5.

 

MCHRC serves Allenhurst, Brielle, Deal, Fair Haven, Highlands, Interlaken, Little Silver, Loch Arbour, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Sea Girt, Shrewsbury, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Tinton Falls, Wall Township and West Long Branch.

Monmouth County Health Department serves Aberdeen, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Eatontown, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Hazlet, Holmdel, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Lake Como, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Millstone, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Oceanport, Roosevelt, Shrewsbury Township and Union Beach.

Health officials recommend flu protection for anyone at high risk for severe health complications triggered by the virus. Generally they include:

  • Children age six months to four years, and children six months to 18 years under long-term aspirin therapy
  • Adults age 50 and up
  • Children and adults with chronic pulmonary disorders, including asthma, cardiovascular problems, kidney or liver conditions, and neurological or metabolic disorders including diabetes
  • People with compromised immune systems
  • Women who are, or plan to become,.pregnant during flu season
  • Long-term care patients
  • Morbid obesity sufferers
  • Caregivers and household minders of children up to age five

Yearly flu shots are also recommended for those engaged in essential community services and those living in crowded spaces such as dormitories.

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Ocean County flu shot clinic details

In Ocean County, regular dose injections into muscle apply to everyone aged six months and up. A high-dose injection into muscle tissue is aimed at people age 65 and older and an intra-dermal, skin-based shot is available to those age 18 to 64. Residents age 65 and up have access to pneumococcal vaccine, upon presentation of a doctor's note or prescription.

Some clinics will also offer adult tetanus, diptheria and pertussis (TDAP) vaccines and shingles inoculations, and some will include blood pressure tests, osteoporosis screenings and stroke risk assessments.

The cost of flu and pneu shots are covered by Medicare Part B. Those not subscribed, or carrying Medicare Managed Care Plans, should be prepared to pay $20.

Monmouth County flu shot clinic details

Monmouth health officials also recommend flu inoculations for anyone age six months or older. Vaccinations for those age six months to 18 years must be accompanied by a signed parental consent form. Registered nurses will screen attendees for risk factors and provide information about the vaccine.

The $25 cost is covered for Medicare Part B subscribers. The Monmouth County Health Department does not accept, or bill, other insurors, but will provide receipts.

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