County adds flu/pneumonia clinic, health fairs

The Middlesex County Public Health Department (MCPHD) will sponsor an additional flu and pneumococcal immunization clinic from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 88 Jackson St., South River.

Individuals at increased risk for the flu include those age 50 and older; people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes; pregnant women; health-care workers; and caregivers of high-risk individuals.

MCPHD clinics are open for flu shots to all Middlesex County residents age 18 and above. There is no charge for the flu shot, but Medicare will be billed where appropriate. Appointments are needed for pneumococcal vaccine, which is offered to individuals age 65 and older receiving their first vaccination. Call (732) 745-3100 to schedule an appointment. Medicare will be billed for pneumococcal vaccine where appropriate.

The extended 2006-07 MCDPH flu-immunization clinic schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Sayreville Senior Center, 423 Main St.;

• Dec. 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. - Metuchen First Presbyterian Church Social Hall, 270 Woodbridge Ave.;

• Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to noon - Spotswood Senior Center, 1 Arlington Ave.;

• Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Old Bridge Senior Center, Municipal Complex, Route 516;

• Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Carteret Community Center, 249 Roosevelt Ave.;

• Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - South River Knights of Columbus Hall, 88 Jackson St.;

• Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Perth Amboy Puerto Rican Association for Human Development (PRAHD), 100 First St.

For more information on flu vaccine distribution, call the health department hotline at (732) 745-4344 or log on to http://co.middlesex.nj.us/publichealth/flu-clinics.asp.

Flu shots also will be available at MCPHD Fall Health Fairs set for 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 2 at the East Brunswick Senior Center, Jean Walling Civic Center Drive, and from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Drive, Sayreville.

Additional screening and educational services, including glaucoma, oral cancer, dermascan and blood pressure screenings, will be available at the fairs. Appointments are needed for pap smear/female exams; prostate examination and PSA blood test; fasting blood test, including lipid profile; and hearing screening. A fee will be charged for the PSA blood test and the fasting blood test and should be paid directly to the laboratory, in cash, at the time of the test. Cost for the fasting blood test is $25; PSA, $23.

To schedule an appointment at the health fairs, call (732) 745-3100, Mondays-Fridays, 2-4 p.m.