When Can Collingswood Residents Get Their Flu Shot?

Camden County will host the first flu clinic of the year on Wednesday, Sept. 30 during the 21st annual Camden County Senior Health Fair at Cooper River Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. Free vaccines will be available to residents.

They will also be available to Collingswood residents on Friday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Collingswood Senior Center, 30 West Collings Avenue.

“In order to keep your family healthy this flu season, we encourage you to take advantage of this beneficial service provided by the board,” Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department, said. “We are hosting immunization sites at convenient locations across Camden County, including the annual Senior Health Fair at Cooper River Park.”

The Senior Health Fair will also feature dozens of health information tables, games and prizes and lunch for all senior citizens who attend the event.

Residents over 60 years old should register to enjoy a complimentary lunch at the fair by calling 856-858-3220.

The launch of the flu shot program is traditionally coordinated with the senior health fair because men and women age 65 and older are among the “high priority” groups for annual shots, Rodriguez said. The flu shots are provided for no-out-of-pocket cost, but Rodriguez reminded seniors receiving Medicare to bring their Medicare ID cards with them.

Pregnant women and chronically ill people are other high priority groups. Flu shots are also recommended for people with weakened immune or cardiovascular systems, or with chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction or blood disorders.

Youngsters aged nine and older must be accompanied by an adult. Children under nine need two shots, a month apart, and should be seen by a pediatrician. For uninsured children, call CamCare at 856-541-9811 or the Bellmawr Health Center at 856-931-2700.

According to the CDC, flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. People should begin getting vaccinated soon after the flu vaccine becomes available, to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins.

Rodriguez also reminded business owners it literally “pays” to make sure employees are vaccinated.

“The flu cannot only create challenges at home, but it can have a negative effect on the workplace crippling businesses and suffocating production,” Rodriguez said. “The flu can spread quickly through any office and infect several employees through the simple act of coughing.”