OHI is Providing the Flu Vaccine at All of Its Health Centers

OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc.), a federally qualified health center with locations in Ocean and Monmouth County, is offering flu shots for the 2018-2019 season. Flu Shots can be scheduled at all seven OHI facilities by calling (732) 363-6655 or at www.ohinj.org.

Influenza is a serious disease that can affect anyone at every age and can lead to major health issues, such as hospitalizations and even death. Symptoms can be range from mild to severe and are typically marked with fever, body aches, sore throat and headache.

Dr. Gilbert Fleischer, Chief Medical Officer at OHI, suggests that you get the flu shot early as the vaccine can take two weeks to take effect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months or older get a flu shot between now and November. While the vaccine is effective against the Flu, it is also suggested that you frequently wash your hands, avoid touching your face and maintain proper nutrition and exercise.

OHI accepts and will work with most insurances. For adult patients without insurance, the regular flu shot costs $20 and the high dose for senior’s costs $40. Through the Vaccines for Children (VFC), a federally funded program, children who do not have insurance, are self-pay patients, or who are recipients of Medicaid Plan A can receive a flu shot at no cost.

Offered at all sites are the preservative free and egg free versions of the vaccine.

For questions about the flu shot program, contact Kyle Fannan, marketing development associate, at (732) 719-1570.

About Ocean Health Initiatives (OHI): OHI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) federally qualified health center (FQHC) with seven health centers, a Mobile Medical Unit and two school-based wellness programs in Ocean and Monmouth County. OHI health centers are at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin; Manchester, 686 Route 70, Lakehurst; 798 Route 539. Building 3, Little Egg Harbor; 1608 Route 88, Suite 207, Brick; and 20 Jackson Street, Freehold. The school-based wellness programs in Lakewood are in the Clifton Avenue Elementary School, 625 Clifton Avenue; and Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Avenue, Suite A. The Lakewood, Little Egg Harbor and Manchester health centers have pharmacies.

OHI provides comprehensive primary and preventative health and dental care to Ocean and Monmouth County’s uninsured, underinsured and insured populations. A sliding-fee scale is available, based on an individual's or family's ability to pay. Services include family and internal medicine, dental, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health and social services, podiatry and pharmacy services.

OHI has a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call 732-363-6655. Visit www.ohinj.org for further information.