The signs advertising free flu shots have started appearing in drug store windows all across New Jersey. And health professionals are doling out vaccines at senior citizen centers. Another flu season is coming, and while experts say it is almost impossible to predict the severity of the season, they all tout the wisdom of getting vaccinated. "Flu is unpredictable,"...
Mary Beth Ouellette of Milltown reacts as she gets a flu shot from Middlesex County Public Health nurse Caroll Petscavage at the Milltown Senior Center. Mary Beth is a diabetic and has to get a flu shot every year. She said "It's cheaper to get it (the flu shot) here for $15, my doctor charges $25." The signs advertising free flu shots have started appearing in drug store windows all across New Jersey. And health professionals are doling out vaccines at senior citizen centers.
Another flu season is coming, and while experts say it is almost impossible to predict the severity of the season, they all tout the wisdom of getting vaccinated.
"Flu is unpredictable," said Tina Tan, the acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the state’s epidemiologist. "We do know that this year’s vaccine does cover what we believe are going to be the widely-circulating strains of influenza virus this season. Only time will tell as far as what we see out in the community."
Influenza affects more than 60 million Americans every year, according to estimates by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. The foundation’s consumer survey released last week found two-thirds of Americans plan to get get their vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines for every person over the age of 6 months.
Mary Beth Ouellette, 48, of Milltown, decided not to wait to get her flu shot. Last week, she rolled up her sleeve at the Milltown Senior Center. Nothing beats preparation, she said.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
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