September is here and before you know it so will the seasonal flu. Now is the best time to get protected, and the Burlington County Health Department is once again offering free flu vaccines to protect residents and keep communities healthy.
The Health Department will hold weekly flu vaccine clinics at various locations throughout the county, starting on Sept. 18 with two clinics in Woodland and Washington Township. Subsequent clinics will be held in New Gretna, Palmyra, Maple Shade, Wrightstown, Bordentown, Evesham, Burlington Township, Florence, Tabernacle, Shamong, Medford, Burlington City and Westampton.
“The fall may be a busy season with lots happening at school, work and in our communities, but it’s also a time to prioritize your health and the health of those around you,” said Dr. Holly Funkhouser Cucuzzella. “Influenza can cause serious illness and even death, and the best defense is a seasonal flu shot. No matter your age, health or occupation, we recommend you take advantage of this available tool to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Burlington County Commissioner Tyler J. Burrell, the liaison to the Health Department, said the Health Department vaccine clinics ensure all Burlington County residents have access to important preventive medicine.
“Burlington County consistently ranks as one of the healthiest locations in American and programs like this are proven to make a difference,” said Commissioner Burrell. “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control, American Medical Association, and family physicians across the nation, all recommend getting a flu shot each fall, and we are grateful for our Health Department staff who make sure it is accessible to everyone.”
All 21 flu shot clinics will be walk-up and open to anyone 6 months or older (children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The vaccines are available free of charge to county residents, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
All residents 6 months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated, but health officials stress the shot is especially important for elderly residents, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health problems. Those populations are considered the most at-risk for serious illness from flu. People who work in a nursing home, long-term health care facility or health care setting are also strongly recommended to obtain the vaccine.
In the United States, the flu season typically occurs in the fall and winter. Seasonal flu activity usually peaks in January or February, but it can occur as early as October or as late as May.
For the vaccine to provide full protection against the flu, it talks about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body.
“The general advice for residents is to aim for September or October to get your flu shot to ensure you are protected when flu season starts,” said Dr. Funkhouser Cucuzzella. “Sooner is better, but it’s never too late. You can benefit from the shot so long as the virus is circulating.”
The schedule for the Burlington County flu vaccine clinics is as follows:
Sept. 18
9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Woodland Township Municipal Building
3943 Route 563, Chatsworth
Sept. 18
1 PM to 3 PM
Washington Township
Old Green Bank School
2436 Route 563, Egg Harbor City
Sept. 19
10 AM to Noon
New Gretna Fire Company
5 North Maple Avenue, New Gretna
Oct. 10
8:30 to 11 AM
Palmyra Cove Nature Center
1335 Route 73 South, Palmyra
Oct. 10
2 PM to 4 PM
Maple Shade Municipal Building
200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade
Oct. 16
10 AM to Noon
Wrightstown Volunteer Fire Co.
21 Saylors Pond Road, Wrightstown
Oct. 16
2 PM to 4 PM
Carslake Community Center
207 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown
Oct. 17
9 AM to 11 AM
Evesham Fire Department
26 East Main Street, Evesham
Oct. 18
10 AM to 2 PM
Burlington Township Municipal Building
851 Old York Road, Burlington Township
Oct. 24
10 AM to Noon
Palmyra Community Center
30 West Broad Street, Palmyra
Oct. 24
2 PM to 4 PM
Florence Township Municipal Building
711 Broad Street, Florence
Oct. 31
10 AM to Noon
Tabernacle Fire Station 431
76 Hawkin Road, Tabernacle
Oct. 31
2 PM to 4 PM
Shamong Township Municipal Building
105 Willow Grove Road, Shamong
Nov. 7
10 AM to Noon
The Gibson House
535 East Main Street, Evesham
Nov. 7
2 PM to 4 PM
Medford Township Municipal Building
49 Union Street, Medford
Nov. 14
10 AM to Noon
Keegan Center
522 Wood Street, Burlington City
Nov. 21
2 PM to 4 PM
Burlington County Health Department
15 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton
Dec. 5
2 PM to 4 PM
Burlington County Health Department
15 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton
Dec. 12
2 PM to 4 PM
Burlington County Health Department
15 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton
Dec. 19
2 PM to 4 PM
Burlington County Health Department
15 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton
Dec. 29
10 AM to Noon; 2 PM to 4 PM
Burlington County Health Department
15 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton