CREST HAVEN — Cape May County will hold two free drive-through flu clinics this fall.
The first will be held Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kindle Ford Autoplaza, Stone Harbor Boulevard and Bayberry Drive, Court House.
The second will be scheduled when the remainder of the county’s vaccine is delivered.
The county Department of Health will conduct the drive-through flu clinics at no cost to residents aged 16 and older. Residents must bring a signed consent form with them for each person receiving a flu shot.
Forms are available at the Cape May County Department of Health and on their Web site: www.cmchealth.net.
They will be available shortly in many local pharmacies and newspapers.
Thousands of people die each year from influenza-related complications. “The County is pleased to be able to offer the flu vaccine to our residents, and help lessen the effects of the flu”, said Freeholder Gerald Thornton.
The drive-through clinic is convenient for residents because no appointments are necessary and people don’t need to leave their cars.
Health Officer Kevin Thomas pointed out, “this year we are lowering our minimum age for the drive-through clinics to 16, and our hope is that more teenagers will receive their flu shots this year. We also have a Children and their Parents clinic scheduled at the Department of Health on Oct. 10 from 2-6 p.m. for children less than 18 years of age and their parents.”
Residents with allergies to eggs, latex, or Thimerosal (a preservative in the vaccine) must bring a prescription from their physician to receive the vaccine. Otherwise, no prescriptions are needed.
Residents are asked to wear a short-sleeved shirt and leave their pets at home. Thomas also encourages residents to carpool with family, friends, and neighbors. “The waiting time last year was much shorter than in previous years, and we think that the number of full cars had a positive impact on traffic,” noted Thomas. Residents needing transportation assistance should call Fare Free Transportation at 889-3700.
While all residents 16 years and older are welcome to come to the drive-through flu clinic, the Cape May County Department of Health strongly encourages those at high-risk of influenza complications to receive a flu shot.
This includes children aged 6 months to 5 years of age, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.
In addition, people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu are also recommended to receive a flu vaccine.
Information on the County’s flu clinics is available on the flu hotline, 463-6581 and on our website, www.cmchealth.net. Free Flu Clinics are sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Health. Additional support for the drive-through clinics is provided by Kindle Ford and Cape Regional Medical Center.