Last Chance for Free Flu Shots in Gloucester County

Gloucester County submitted the following news release:

Gloucester County Department of Health’s final scheduled flu shot clinic will take place on Monday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Gloucester County Health Department, 204 E. Holly Avenue, Sewell.

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said that the Department of Health administered just over 14,000 inoculations this year in an effort to protect county residents from getting the flu this season. 

“The flu can be a nasty virus that can keep you home from work or school, and it can be deadly to those with underlying health issues. Getting a flu shot decreases your chances of getting the flu this season and it is recommended by health professionals and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” stated Director Damminger.  

This year’s seasonal flu vaccine contains the following three virus strains:  Influenza type A (H1N1), Influenza type A (H3N2) & Influenza type B (Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus).

Freeholder Lyman Barnes, Liaison to the Department of Health, said that after Dec. 17 the Health Department will provide flu shots on Thursdays, by appointment, between 1 and 4 PM.

“It is not too late to get your flu shot.  Although the flu season is underway, it can run all the way through winter and into spring so you still have time to protect yourself. It takes up to two weeks for the antibodies that provide protection against the influenza viruses to develop in the body, so if you have not received your shot yet, now is the time,” said Freeholder Barnes.   

Flu shots are administered by registered nurses and are available to Gloucester County residents only. Identification is required. A Flu Shot Hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for residents to call with any questions about the flu shot or to schedule a flu shot appointment after Monday, Dec. 17. The Gloucester County Flu Hotline is 856-218-4141.

For information on other places to get a flu shot in the West Deptford area, read CDC Says the Season is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in West Deptford.