Middlesex County Offers Tips to Stay Healthy and Safe During Flu Season

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY , NJ - As October marks the beginning of flu season, Middlesex County is encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their community. To support this effort, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services is offering free flu clinics countywide from October through December for eligible residents aged 6 months and older.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that can affect the lungs, nose, and throat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms may include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes fever or chills. Children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea more often than adults.

Individuals at higher risk of developing serious complications include people 65 years and older, those with chronic medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women, and children younger than 5 years, especially those younger than 2.

"As we enter flu season, it is crucial that we each do our part to keep our community healthy by taking simple precautions," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "Getting your flu shot, washing hands, and staying home when you're sick can help us prevent spreading germs. The fall and winter seasons bring many joyous occasions for us to come together as a community; by taking these steps, we can participate safely."

"Middlesex County's top priority is the health and wellbeing of our residents, especially during flu season," said Middlesex County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra, Chair of the Public Safety and Health Committee. "Since early October, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services has worked to ensure that all eligible residents can access free flu shots at convenient locations across the County. It is vital that everyone who chooses to get vaccinated knows they have a no-cost, accessible option."

"Getting the flu shot is one of the best measures to protect yourself and those around you," said Middlesex County Director of Health Services Lester Jones. "It helps lower the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization, and death, as well as reduce the spread of the virus in our community. Because flu strains change over time, the vaccine is updated each year to provide protection, so I encourage everyone to get their flu shot this season."

FREE FLU CLINICS SCHEDULE

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services will offer free flu shots at the following locations:

• Wednesday, October 21: Carteret Community Center | 10- 1 am
• Wednesday, October 21: Public Health Center | 1:30-3:30 pm
• Thursday, October 22: Sayreville Senior Center | 10-11 am
• Thursday, October 22: South Amboy Senior Center | 1-2 pm
• Friday, October 23: New Brunswick Senior Center | 10-11 am
• Friday, October 23: Milltown Senior Center | 1-2 pm
• Tuesday, October 27: Dunellen Senior Center| 10-11 am
• Wednesday, October 28: Public Health Center | 1:30-3:30 pm
• Wednesday, November 4: Public Health Center | 1:30-3:30 pm
• Monday, November 9: Public Health Center | 1:30-3:30 pm
• Wednesday, November 18: Public Health Center | 1:30-3:30 pm
• Monday, November 30: Public Health Center | 4-7 pm
• Wednesday, December 2: Public Health Center | 4-7 pm
• Wednesday, December 9: Public Health Center | 1:30-3:30 pm
• Wednesday, December 16: Public Health Center | 1:30-3:30 pm
• Monday, December 28: Public Health Center | 1:30-3:30 pm

FLU PREVENTION GUIDELINES

To help keep residents healthy, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services recommends the following preventative measures:

• Get your annual flu vaccine - it is the most effective way to prevent serious illness.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer if not available.
• Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to reduce spreading germs.
• Stay at home if you're feeling sick to limit exposure to others.
• Keep frequently touched surfaces clean, such as doorknobs and phones.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices, including eating well, exercising, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep, to support your immune system against potential illnesses.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as germs can spread if you touch something contaminated.

All flu shots provided by Middlesex County Health Services are free for eligible Middlesex County residents; proof of residency is required. For more information about the flu clinics, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/flu or contact the Middlesex County Office of Health Services directly at 732-745-3100.

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