Official Reminds Residents It’s Not Too Late for a Flu Shot

 

STATE—With the cold weather upon us and the holiday season fast approaching, New Jersey Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard reminds all residents that it is not to late to get a flu shot.

“When the weather gets colder and people begin socializing indoors, it creates a perfect environment for the spread of all infectious diseases, but especially influenza,” said Howard. “Even though many people get flu shots in October or early November, people who have not gotten a flu shot should do so. It is the best protection against the flu.”

The flu leads to an estimated 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Influenza can have serious complications, especially for older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions.

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Flu Shots May Cut Risk Of Blood Clots Forming In Veins

NEW ORLEANS, La.—Flu shots may reduce the risk of blood clots forming in veins by 26 percent, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2008.

“Our study suggests for the first time that vaccination against influenza may reduce the risk of venous thrombotic embolism (VTE),” said Joseph Emmerich, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the study and professor of vascular medicine at the University Paris Descartes and head of the INSERM Lab 765, which investigates thrombosis. “This protective effect was more pronounced before the age of 52 years.”

VTE is the formation of a blood clot in a vein. The condition is dangerous because the blood clot can break loose and travel through the circulatory system to the right side of the heart. From there it can go to the lungs (a pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening or even fatal.

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Woodbridge Announces Flu Shot Clinics

WOODBRIDGE – The Woodbridge Township Department of Health & Human Services has scheduled flu and pneumonia clinics for Oct. 7 and 22.

Mayor John McCormac said the Health Department’s professional nursing staff will administer the flu and pneumonia vaccine on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Evergreen Senior Center, 400 Inman Avenue, Colonia and on Wedneday, Oct. 22 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Woodbridge Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza in Woodbridge. 

Flu shots are free to Medicare patients (who must present a valid Medicare card) and $15 for all other patients.  Woodbridge Township residents are encouraged to call the Health Center’s Nursing Division at (732) 855-0600 x5036 or 5012 for more information.  Individuals with a handicap should call (732) 855-0600 x5011 to schedule an individual appointment.

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