Livingston Health Dept. To Offer Low-Cost Flu Shots

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Livingston Township. Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Livingston Facebook page here.

On Tuesday, September 19, and Tuesday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Nursing Division of the Livingston Health Department will be giving flu shots at the Livingston Senior/Community Center, located at 204 Hillside Avenue (lower level). There is no cost to seniors with Medicare Part B; for all others, the cost is $20. No appointment is necessary.

Influenza – commonly known as the flu – is a contagious disease that can easily spread from person to person. Flu is caused by viruses that change from year to year and is mainly spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact. The flu is responsible for over 200,000 hospitalizations and 40,000 deaths each year. It can also lead to other serious conditions like pneumonia and blood infections. The flu can be more dangerous for young children, people over 65 years of age, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Each year, many hours are lost to absenteeism from work and school as a result of the flu. Billions of dollars are spent annually in medical costs and hospitalizations to treat the flu. Getting vaccinated is one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent the flu, and to protect yourself and your family.

If you or a loved one is homebound and would like a flu shot, call the Livingston Health Department Nurses’ Office at 973-535-7961 ext. 228 to arrange for a home visit.

For questions about flu shots, call the Nursing Office at 973-535-7961, ext. 228 or visit the Township’s website at www.livingstonnj.org. For additional information about the flu – including prevention, symptoms and diagnosis, treatment, and more – visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

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