(Gloucester Township) – As the region continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the spread of seasonal influenza will be critical to protecting public health in Camden County this fall. To help keep residents safe and healthy this flu season, the Freeholder Board is announcing the 2020 Seasonal Flu Shot Schedule, beginning on Friday, Oct. 2. In order to accommodate social distancing recommendations, this year’s flu shot program will be conducted via a series of drive-thru events at locations throughout the county.

“It is always important for our residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated, but with our battle against COVID-19 still in full effect, it is especially important in 2020,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Health Department. “The flu is a dangerous illness, just like COVID-19, and patients frequently require hospitalization for treatment. A sudden surge in flu-related hospitalizations could reduce our health care system’s capacity to care for COVID-19 patients and endanger folks who would otherwise be treatable. We can save lives and keep our hospital beds open by preventing and limiting the spread of the flu, and that starts with as many residents as possible receiving their flu shot.”

Flu shots are also recommended for people with weakened immune or cardiovascular systems, or with chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction or blood disorders. Children aged nine and older must be accompanied by an adult.  Children under nine require two shots, a month apart, and should be seen by a pediatrician.  For uninsured children, call CamCare at (856) 541-9811 or the Bellmawr Health Center at (856) 931-2700.

“Widespread vaccination dramatically reduces flu cases, protecting vulnerable residents and limiting the stress put on our health care system,” Rodriguez said. “If we are going to protect one another this fall, then flu shots will be as important a tool for our community as mask wearing and social distancing. Please find a flu shot site in your municipality and make plans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

For more information, contact the county Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-999-9045, or visit www.camdencounty.com.

Each fall, the county offers a number of times and locations throughout the county where residents can receive the influenza vaccine, at no out-of-pocket cost. See below for this year’s schedule:

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