Bergen County Seniors May Be Eligible for Free Flu Vaccines

Elderly Bergen County residents seeking flu shots could receive free vaccinations at a pair of events in Hackensack next month.

Flu shots will be administered at no charge to county residents ages 65 years and over who present a Medicare card with Part B/Medical Insurance coverage and who are not covered by an HMO, the county announced Monday. 

Flu shots will also be administered at no charge to residents from age 18 to 64 years with a chronic illness who present a physician’s note.

“The best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall,” said Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan.

The events will be held in October:

• Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m. at South West Center, Boiling Springs Garden, 147 Hackensack St., East Rutherford 
• Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Americas Unidas Multicultural Center, 101 Hudson St., Hackensack

Certain people should not get a flu shot, however, county officials said. Specifically those who already have a fever, those who have already had allergic reactions to the flu vaccine, or those allergic to eggs.

Consult your physician or local hospital clinic before receiving a flu shot if you have an acute respiratory infection or other acute infectious condition.

For further information call 201-634-2648. For frequently asked questions about influenza, please call the Health Information Line at 201-225-7000, or visit the department web site at www.bergenhealth.org.