With the start of the seasonal flu season fast approaching and the danger of overlapping infections of influenza and COVID-19, Burlington County health officials are encouraging residents to obtain their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible.
To assist residents, the Burlington County Health Department will once again offer seasonal flu vaccines every Thursday through Jan. 3 at clinics throughout the county.
“We’ve spoken a lot about the need for residents to get vaccinated and boosted to help guard against COVID-19 but it’s imperative they also get their seasonal flu shot as well,” said Dr. Herb Conaway, director of the Burlington County Health Department. “Influenza typically sends thousands of people to hospitals annually and can be a danger to anyone, but especially seniors, young children and others with weakened immune systems or other health conditions. Getting a seasonal flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson said the flu clinics ensure every Burlington County resident has access to this important preventative health care.
“Burlington County is ranked as one of the healthiest locations in America and one of the big reasons is programs like the Flu Shot Thursday clinics that make sure flu vaccines are easily accessible to everyone,” said Hopson.
All 20 flu clinics will be walk-up and open to any individual who is six months or older. The vaccines are available free-of-charge to county residents, but donations are accepted.
All residents six-months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated, but health officials stressed the shot is especially important for people who live or work in a nursing home, long-term care facility or health care setting and those who live with or take care of elderly residents or young children or who have chronic health problems. Pregnant women are also advised to get a flu shot.
Countries in the southern hemisphere have reported significant increases in flu cases this year, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning more flu transmission is likely. Health officials are also concerned about the potential for some people to suffer overlapping infections of influenza and COVID-19.“Both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are proven to be safe and effective protection against serious illness,” Conaway said. “With COVID variants still active and flu season approaching, there’s a danger of overlapping infections, so it’s important to get both types of shots.”
The schedule for upcoming flu clinics is as follows:
Sept. 29
10 a.m. to noon
New Gretna Fire Company
5 North Maple Ave, New Gretna
Oct. 13
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Wrightstown Volunteer Fire Co.
21 Saylors Pond Rd, Wrightstown
Oct. 13
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Keegan Center
522 Wood St, Burlington City
Oct. 20
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Evesham Fire Dept.
26 East Main St,
Evesham
Oct. 20
2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Palmyra Cove Nature Center
1335 Route 73 South, Palmyra
Oct. 27
10 a.m. to noon
Palmyra Community Center
30 West Broad St, Palmyra
Oct. 27
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Florence Municipal Building
711 Broad St, Florence
Oct. 29
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Burlington Twp. Municipal Building
851 Old York Rd, Burlington Twp.
Nov. 3
10 a.m. to noon
Shamong Twp. Municipal Building
105 Willow Grove Rd,
Shamong
Nov. 10
10 a.m. to noon
Carslake Community Center
207 Crosswicks St, Bordentown
Nov. 10
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Medford Twp. Municipal Building
49 Union St, Medford
Nov. 17
10 a.m. to noon
The Gibson House
535 East Main St,
Evesham
Nov. 17
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fire Station 431
76 Hawkin Rd, Tabernacle
Dec. 1
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Burlington County Health Dept.
15 Pioneer Blvd,
Westampton
Dec. 8
10 a.m. to noon
Burlington County Health Dept.
15 Pioneer Blvd,
Westampton
Dec. 15
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Burlington County Health Dept.
15 Pioneer Blvd,
Westampton
Dec. 29
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Burlington County Health Dept.
15 Pioneer Blvd,
Westampton
Jan. 3
10 a.m. to noon
Burlington County Health Dept.
15 Pioneer Blvd,
Westampton
