Influenza Information

 

                       

 

                                                                  

 Long Beach Island Health Department
2011 Seasonal Flu Immunizations

Flu shots will be given at the Health Department office by appointment.

Please call 492-1212.

  

          Influenza Inactivated (TIV) VIS           The FLU Ends with U. Learn more: www.flu.gov


Flu shot is Free if enrolled in Non-HMO  Medicare Part B
All others $20
Please present Non-HMO Medicare Part B card at the door.

These clinics are for anyone 9 years of age and older.
Minors must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.

The flu shot is also Free to First Responders (Police, Fire, EMS-paid and volunteer)

Please be sure to show identification indicating your first responder status.

ADDITIONAL OCEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FLU CLINICS

 All clinics are open to residents 6 months of age and older. No registration is required. Flu shot: $20.00; we also accept non-HMO Medicare Part B. Pneumonia shot: $20.00; we also accept non-HMO Medicare Part B. For information on who is eligible to receive a pneumonia shot, please contact the Ocean County Health Department at 732-341-9700 extension 7515.

Who should get vaccinated this season?

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu–related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu–related complications.

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long–term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
    • Health care workers
    • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
    • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
                   
 

 


urn
Flu Attack! How A Virus Invades Your Body
Flu Attack! How A Virus Invades Your Body
"It starts very simply. A virus, just one, latches on to one of your cells and fools that cell into making lots more. Lots, lots more, like a million new viruses. This animation shows you how viruses trick healthy cells to join the dark side," by NPR's Robert Krulwich. 
Watch the video



Helpful Information

Vaccine Requirements for Child Care and Preschool in New Jersey 
Answers the question "Why do young children need the flu vaccine?"

Antiviral Drugs
Medications are available by prescription for the prevention (usually in the event of an outbreak) and treatment (within 2 days of onset of symptoms) of the flu in individuals 1 year of age and older. Your doctor will help decide whether you should get antivirals and which one you should get.

Smoking and Influenza
Some research studies show an increase in influenza infections among smokers compared to nonsmokers.

Good Health Habits

Vaccination is Not the Only Way to Help Prevent the Flu
These simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect you from getting sick:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water, and eating good food, will help you stay healthy in the winter and all year.

Source: Centers for Disease Control