Vaccines will be free to County residents; next testing date is November 13

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County, recognizing the importance of seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines during the COVID-19 global health pandemic, is now offering a walk-up flu vaccine clinic at the Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. The vaccine (Afluria Quadrivalent) will be free of charge to residents and is available to residents 6 months of age and older that meet a set of criteria making them eligible for the vaccine.

The next walk-up vaccine date is November 13. In addition, the County is operating a drive-thru flu vaccine clinic in Piscataway at 1 Ericsson Drive. To register for either location or to find the schedule for subsequent testing dates, residents may go to middlesexcountynj.gov/flu.

While there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, the County’s Office of Health Services is imploring residents to protect themselves from the seasonal flu by getting a vaccine. COVID-19 and the seasonal flu share many symptoms.

• Both COVID-19 and flu can spread from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Both are spread mainly by droplets made when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze, or talk.
• Both are respiratory illnesses that are contagious, but because they are caused by different viruses, it is possible to have both at the same time.
• Both can cause serious health complications including hospitalization.

The biggest difference, however, is that unlike COVID-19, there is a vaccine to help protect against the seasonal flu.

CRITERIA FOR GETTING A FLU SHOT

To receive a free flu shot, residents must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Middlesex County resident (proof of residency is required – including, but not limited to: a valid driver’s license; state issued identification; or two pieces of mail including utility bills, bank statements, or similar documentation with name and address)
• Be eligible to receive the flu vaccine offered (Afluria Quadrivalent) as determined by a provided medical questionnaire
• Make an appointment online or via phone

TO RECEIVE A FLU SHOT

To receive a free flu shot, residents must:

1. Complete the form located at http://middlesexcountynj.gov/dispenseassist
2. Print the completed Dispense Assist voucher
3. Make an appointment on desired testing day. Appointments at 10 am will be filled first and continue until all available spots have been scheduled.
4. Arrive at the testing site during the designated date and time with a photo ID and Dispense Assist voucher printout
5. Wear clothing that can be removed or adjusted to provide access to one’s upper arm/shoulder area.

If the resident wishing to get a vaccine does not have access to the internet or has connectivity problems, they are instructed to call 732-745-3100 to make an appointment. Appointments will start being made on the day indicated on the table above, and continue until appointment slots fill up, or 48 hours prior to the clinic date.  Please note, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information on the drive-thru flu vaccines, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/flu.