County Starts Flu Shot Season

CREST HAVEN — Cape May County kicked off its flu vaccination program on Oct. 10, immunizing 180 Cape May County residents.
Included in that number were 99 children and their parents.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending flu shots for all children 6 months to 5 years of age,” stated Freeholder Gerald Thornton, human services liaison, in a release.
“ We’re pleased to offer a venue for parents to get their children a free flu shot this year,” he added.
For parents who missed the children’s clinic, there will be one additional clinic scheduled for children and their parents on Nov. 27 from 2-6 p.m. at the Department of Health, 6 Moore Road.
The county will be holding two drive-through flu clinics this fall, on Oct. 28 and Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kindle Ford in Court House.
All residents 16 years of age and older may get a free flu shot. A signed consent form is required for each person receiving the flu vaccine.
Forms are available online at www.cmchealth.net, at the Department of Health, in most pharmacies, and in many local newspapers.
Health Officer Kevin Thomas recommends that residents wear a short-sleeved shirt, leave pets at home, and carpool with family, friends, and neighbors to reduce the waiting times.
Those needing assistance with transportation to the drive-through clinics can call Fare Free Transportation at 889-3700.
Persons with an allergy to eggs or Thimerosal (preservative in the vaccine) need a prescription from their physician to receive the flu vaccine.
This year’s flu clinics are sponsored by the freeholders and are administered by the county Department of Health.
Additional support is provided for the drive-through clinics by Kindle Ford and Cape Regional Medical Center.
Information on all of the county’s free flu clinics is available at www.cmchealth.net or 463-6581.