Ocean County will offer flu shot vaccination clinics Ocean County residents will be able to choose from 60 different vaccination clinics, including five evening clinics, as the Ocean County Health Department announced it will soon begin holding the clinics for the 2007-08 flu season. Daniel Regenye, assistant public health coordinator, said, "We have ordered 35,000 doses of vaccine and we believe we will have a sufficient supply to vaccinate adults and children older than 6 months of age to avoid the chance of getting the flu this season." Once again, the health department has added five evening flu clinics in response to residents' requests. "Hopefully, this will be much more convenient for those who work during the day and need to come in the evening to receive their flu vaccination," said Regenye. Clinics will begin on Oct. 29 and continue into December, with the possibility of additional clinics being added as needed, according to a press release. The pneumococcal vaccine is also offered at the health department clinics to individuals over the age of 65. Also, it is recommended that women who are pregnant during the flu season be vaccinated against the flu. For those under 65 requesting the pneumonia shot and pregnant women requesting a flu shot, a medical doctor's note is needed. Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, recommended • All children ages 6 to 59 months. that any county resident who is able to get the flu shot should take advantage of this program. "Getting your yearly flu shot is a great way to protect your health and that of your family, your co-workers and others," Little said. Regenye said the flu and pneumonia shots will each cost $20 this season; however, residents who have Non-HMO Medicare Part B or the Federal Railroad Retirement System will not be required to pay. He noted that the flu shot is recommended for: • All adults 65 years of age and older. • Residents of long-term care facilities (nursing homes and assisted living facilities). • Health care workers and caretakers of the elderly. • Persons with specific long-term health problems. • Women who are pregnant during the flu season. • Children 6 months to 18 years on long-term aspirin treatment. • Parents and caregivers of infants under 6 months of age. For a complete listing of flu shot locations in addition to information on the flu shot and who should consider flu shots, visit the Ocean County Health Department Web site at www.ochd.org. For information, call 732-341-9700, ext. 7502 or 1-800- 342-9738, ext. 7502.