NEWS RELEASE
Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders
94 Market Street. Salem, N.J. 08079
November 17, 2004
Contact: Carla Kephart
County Health Educator/ Risk Communicator
(856) 935-7510 x8304
County Extends Flu Vaccine Random Selection Deadline
The Salem County Department of Health announced that residents can still telephone in their information if they would like to be considered for a flu shot. Yesterday the Health Department had received another 710 doses of flu vaccine; this is in addition to the initial shipment of 710.
"The Salem County Department of Health has received about 1,400 applications for the available flu vaccine, at this point we have enough vaccine for all of those that have applied," Mr. Roeschke added. In addition health department nurses will also be using a special syringe to help get every drop of vaccine available.
Salem County Health Department has extended its application deadline and will accept applications until 4:00 pm on November 19th, 2004. Those that are high risk and have not yet applied are asked to call the Salem County Department of Health at 935-7510 extension 8477.
Those selected to receive the vaccine will be notified by mail within the next two weeks.
The high risk groups are:
· All children 6-23 months of age;
· Adults 65 years of age and older;
· All women who will be pregnant during the flu season;
· Anyone between the ages of 2-64 years with chronic conditions, such as chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma, metabolic diseases (diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system);
· Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
· Children aged 6 months – 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
· Health Care workers involved in direct patient care;
· And out of home caregivers and household contacts of children aged less than 6 months.
Residents who receive the flu vaccine are still asked to bring the following items:
· Proof of residency
· Proof of age or a doctor’s note stating that they are high risk
Roeschke again wanted to remind everyone that there are other ways to protect themselves against the flu.
Such as the following actions:
· Covering your nose and mouth when coughing.
· Use tissues when you sneeze or cough.
· Wash hands often using warm water and soap. Alcohol-based gels and wipes also work well, especially after sneezing or coughing.
· If possible stay home when you are sick.
Again if you are high risk and would like to apply for a flu shot call extension 8477.