The Ocean County Health Department will be providing flu and pneumonia shots at the upcoming Healthy Students-Healthy Families-Healthy Communities Health Fair on Thursday, October 11th from 5:30 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Pine Belt Arena at Toms River High School North, Old Freehold Road, Toms River. Flu and pneu shots are free for anyone with Medicare Part B. For all others, the cost is $20.00. Anyone under the age of 65 who is requesting a pneumonia shot will need a note or prescription from their health care provider to get the shot. Except for the immunizations, the entire event is FREE to the public.
Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator, said, “In addition to flu and pneu shots, our staff will also be administering Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccine for $20.00. We are encouraging all adults over the age of 19 years, to be vaccinated with the Tdap Vaccine to protect their family from pertussis (whooping cough). Most infants and children who develop whooping cough have been infected from an older sibling or adult, including parents and grandparents who may not realize they have whooping cough and inadvertently pass on the child. Even infants and children who are up to date with their vaccines are not totally protected from whooping cough. In addition, the Health Department will have a variety of health- related information available.”
Tammi Millar, Toms River Regional Communications Department Head, states, “We are very excited to be able to offer a wide range of important health-related information, fun activities for all and give-aways to our community. Admission is free and we are encouraging families to attend together. Community Medical Center will be offering screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, hearing, grip testing (for strength), breast health information, and colon cancer information. There will be a Quick and Healthy Cooking Demonstration and a program on aging sensitivity. The Toms River Police will also have a goggle demonstration that demonstrates the visual effects of someone driving under the influence of alcohol.”
From 6:15 to 7:00 P.M., there will be two physician lectures. Dr. Jess Alcid, M.D., will be discussing the most common sport injuries and Dr. Gerald Ferencz, M.D., will discuss getting a good night’s sleep.
The Ocean County Health Department, Toms River Schools and Community Medical Center encourage everyone to come and take advantage of the screenings, the immunizations, the fun, and the information provided.