As Flu Cases Rise, Ocean County Offers Vaccine Clinics

With flu season off to an early start this fall in New Jersey, the Ocean County Health Department has a full schedule of flu vaccine clinics for residents to get their shots.

Flu cases in New Jersey doubled for the week ending Oct. 31, the New Jersey Department of Health. The state recorded 2,508 flu cases during that week ending Oct. 31, up from 1,283 the week before, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Of the latest cases, 2,047 were confirmed by PCR tests and 461 by rapid antigen tests.

“Seasonal influenza activity continues to rise and is currently higher than levels observed at this time last year,” the health department said in its weekly respiratory illness update.

Flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, the health department said.

"Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead," the health department flyer says. "Vaccination is especially important for pregnant women and people with chronic diseases."

The vaccine is made with inactive (killed) virus strains, which are not infectious; you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine, the health department said. It protects against several different flu viruses (strains). Flu vaccines are updated every year to better match the viruses circulating in the public.

If you have insurance, the flu vaccinations are available with no out-of-pocket cost. For those without insurance, vaccines are also available at no cost through the county's Uninsured Vaccination Program.

Residents who are restricted to their homes are eligible for the county's Homebound Flu Vaccine program. Call 732-341-9700, ext. 7287 to schedule an appointment.

Here are the upcoming flu and pneumonia vaccine clinics in Ocean County, organized by town. Appointments are preferred and can be scheduled online here.

BEACHWOOD

Monday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-noon, Beachwood Community Center - Mayo Park, 501 Beacon Ave.

Friday, Dec. 18, noon-2 p.m., Beachwood Community Center - Mayo Park, 501 Beacon Ave.

BERKELEY

Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Berkeley Library, 30 Station Road

BERKELEY - TOMS RIVER

Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-noon, Silver Ridge Park East Clubhouse, 979 Edgebrook Drive North

JACKSON

Monday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive

LAVALLETTE

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-noon, Upper Shores Library, 112 Jersey City Ave.

MANCHESTER

Friday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m.-noon, Manchester Senior Services, 82 Lacey Road

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Manchester Library, 21 Colonial Drive

Monday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-noon, Manchester Senior Services, 1 Colonial Drive

OCEAN GATE

Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-noon, Ocean Gate Municipal Building, 801 Ocean Gate Ave.

PLUMSTED

Thursday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Plumsted Municipal Building, 121 New Egypt Allentown Road

POINT PLEASANT

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-noon, Point Pleasant Library, 834 Beaver Dam Road

STAFFORD

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Ocean Acres Community Center, 489 Nautilus Drive

Saturday, Dec. 12, 1 p.m. -3 p.m., Ocean Acres Community Center, 489 Nautilus Drive

TOMS RIVER

Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Toms River Senior Center, 652 Garfield Ave.

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Toms River Library - Green Room, 101 Washington St.

Ocean County Health Department Toms River office
175 Sunset Ave, Toms River

Monday, Nov. 23, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Ocean County Health Department Lakewood site
1771 Madison Ave., Lakewood

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Ocean County Health Department Jackson office
27 S Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson

Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Help prevent the spread of illness

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and face.

For more information, visit oceancountyhealth.gov or download the CDC statement on vaccinations at: cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis