South Orange to Provide Flu Shots on Nov. 9

Flu season is right around the corner and South Orange is gearing up to fight it.

Every year, South Orange provides its residents with flu shot clinics and this year’s second clinic will be on Weds., Nov. 9, from 6 p.m. until  9 p.m. at the .  Residents must be 18 or older to receive the immunization.

Residents with Medicare Part B cards will receive free shots as long as they bring the card.  Residents without a card will be charged $20 for a shot.

John Festa, South Orange Health Officer, reports that this flu season is not going to be any more or less notable than previous ones. However, he still cautions residents to be on alert for flu symptoms. 

Fever, achiness, runny nose, coughing and fatigue are just a few of the symptoms that residents will experience if infected with the flu.

To combat the flu, Festa advises residents who fear that they may be infected with the flu virus to stay home to recuperate and avoid spreading the infection to others.

One of the main methods of the spreading of the virus is through fluids such as mucus. Festa cautions residents to avoid sneezing directly into their hands, but rather into their elbow to avoid transmission through hand-to-hand contact.  

Pregnant women interested in receiving the flu shot via the clinic must provide a note from their primary health care provider.

Residents should also take note that many local pharmacies provide the flu vaccine, as do most healthcare providers.

Festa says that he will be immunized as well.  When questioned about whether or he would be receiving a flu shot, he responded with, “Probably, after all of my patients have been immunized.”