ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Atlantic County will offer free flu vaccinations for residents 18 and older at 12 public clinics beginning Sept. 17 and continuing through Oct. 6, according to an announcement posted Sept. 14.
The clinics will be provided by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at locations throughout the county, and no appointment is needed.
County Executive Dennis Levinson announced the clinic schedule and urged residents to get vaccinated before flu activity typically increases. A complete list of clinic dates, times and locations is available at atlanticcountynj.gov/flu.
"The type and severity of flu viruses may vary from year to year, but a flu shot still offers the best protection against infection," said Levinson. "The vaccine does not guarantee you will not get sick, but it does help lessen the severity and duration of the illness and may reduce the likelihood of hospitalization or death."
According to the county announcement, this year's flu vaccine has been updated to protect against three new virus strains. In the U.S., flu viruses typically circulate between October and May. Because it may take up to two weeks for flu antibodies to develop in the body, the county announcement says getting a shot sooner can help people build protection before illness peaks.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting an annual flu shot before the end of October, according to the county announcement. The same notice says flu symptoms tend to appear within one to four days after infection and may include a fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, body aches, fatigue, nausea and diarrhea.
The county announcement says adults age 65 and older, children under age 5, and people with chronic health conditions including kidney disease, asthma, diabetes and heart disease are at greater risk for serious flu complications. It also advises residents to wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick, routinely clean commonly touched items and surfaces, and limit contact with infected people to help reduce the spread of germs.
"Help protect yourself and others by getting a flu shot," said Levinson. "It's quick, easy and free!" Residents can find the full clinic schedule on the county website for dates between Sept. 17 and Oct. 6.
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