(Gloucester Township, NJ) – The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services reminds everyone that it is not too late to get your flu shot. The Freeholder Board sponsored flu shot program will continue to offer flu shots through February.
“Flu season has arrived, and the CDC is reporting widespread influenza activity in our region. Getting vaccinated can still provide you with protection against a number of influenza strains, and can reduce the severity of others,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “If you have not been vaccinated yet this season, you can still get your flu shot now.”
Freeholder Rodriguez stressed the importance of monitoring children’s health.
“According to the CDC, children up to age four are among the most vulnerable populations. This flu season, there have been 13 pediatric deaths reported nationwide,” Rodriguez said. “I urge parents to practice every day preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs. First and foremost is to wash your hands. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, stay at home when you are sick and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.”
Children under nine should be seen by their pediatrician. They are required to receive two shots, a month apart. Uninsured children should call CamCare at (856) 541-9811.
“According to the Camden County Health Officer, cases of influenza have already been reported in every part of the county this year,” Rodriguez said. “Most reported cases have been Type A, which can lead to serious respiratory illness. That is why the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services wants you to know that it’s not too late to get your flu shot.”
To make it more convenient for you and your family to get your flu shot, the Camden County Freeholder Board has extended our yearly influenza immunization program. Visit the Bellmawr Regional Health Center located at 35 Browning Road in Bellmawr on Mondays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call (856) 931-2700 for an appointment. Children aged nine and older must be accompanied by an adult.
Flu shots are also being offered at the Camden County Aletha Wright Administration Building located at 600 Market Street in Camden on the first and third Fridays of the month from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule your appointment, please call (856) 225-5128.
The flu cannot only create challenges at home, but it can have a negative effect on the workplace crippling businesses and suffocating production. The flu can spread quickly through any office and infect several employees through the simple act of coughing.
“If you are a business owner, you should also encourage your employees to get vaccinated. It literally “pays” to get a flu shot,” Rodriguez said. “Flu shots are also recommended to those in high priority groups including Senior Citizens, pregnant women and chronically ill individuals.”
In addition to high priority groups, flu shots are recommended to those with weakened immune or cardiovascular systems, or with chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction or blood disorders.
For other information, contact the county Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-999-9045, or visit www.camdencounty.com.