Flu shots to be

offered Feb. 3-4

Local health departments in Monmouth County have announced two public influenza immunization clinics.

On Feb. 3-4, influenza vaccinations will be provided to any New Jersey resident age 18 or over who fits into federally established "high risk" categories. The clinics will be held at the Freehold Raceway Mall, Route 9, Freehold Township, on Feb. 3, from 3-5 p.m. and the Monmouth Mall, Eatontown, SCAN Office on the lower level, on Feb. 4 from 3-5 p.m.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Vaccine Preventable Disease Program recently secured and delivered 960 doses of adult formulation influenza to Monmouth County as part of a statewide allocation of recently acquired vaccine, according to a press release.

There will be a $10 fee to cover administration costs in providing the vaccination. No insurance is acceptable in lieu of this fee.

This vaccine is reserved and specifically restricted by the state for "high risk" individuals who fit into one of the following categories:

• Adults age 65 and older.

• Pregnant women in their second or third trimester.

• People age 18 and older with underlying chronic medical conditions. People who fit into this category who are seeking a flu shot at one of these two sites must bring a note from their physician requesting administration of this shot.

Children under 18 may receive the vaccination but must make arrangements to receive the vaccination at one of the VNA of Central Jersey primary care centers. Call the VNA at 1-800-862-3330 to find out more information about locations and times.

No one under 18 will be given a vaccination at the two large clinics.

The incidence of influenza is still occurring at a high rate throughout the nation, according to the press release from the Manalapan Board of Health.